Dead (Madison Beer song) explained

"Dead" is a song by American singer Madison Beer. It was released on May 19, 2017 by Access, as the lead single from her debut EP As She Pleases (2018). The song was written by Brittany Amaradio, Madison Love, and Michael Keenan, the latter of whom produced the track. Two remixes and an acoustic version of the song were also released.

Composition

Speaking about the song's inspiration, Beer stated "It's about a situation myself and so many others find themselves in when you feel ignored and not loved in a relationship, yet you’re still hearing empty words like 'I can't live without you,' and it tears you up inside so I wanted to make the anthem for staying strong through this moment and not taking any shit!"^[2]

"Dead" is an indie pop^[1] song with a length of three minutes and fourteen seconds. Musically, it features breathy vocals from Beer over a beat that has been described by one music critic as "danceable".^[3] Taylor Weatherby, writing for Billboard, compared the song to the works of Ariana Grande and JoJo.^[3] Lyrically, it has been described as a breakup anthem^[4] where the singer confronts a lying boyfriend.^[1] In the chorus, Beer sings "You say you can't live without me, so why aren't you dead yet?"^[3] Some sources suggested that the lyrics were about Beer's breakup with American singer Jack Gilinsky.^[4]

Critical reception

Mike Wass, writing for Idolator, called the song a "biting kiss-off" that "repositions her as an alt-pop diva".^[1] Mike Nied, also writing for Idolator, wrote the song's chorus "boasted one of the best lyrics of the year".^[5] On behalf of Billboard, Taylor Weatherby described the song as "edgy" and wrote that it "is sure to strike a chord with just about anyone who hears it".^[3]

Music video

The music video for "Dead" was released on August 3, 2017. It was directed by Darren Craig.^[6] The video features the singer singing much of the song in a bathtub, with scenes of Beer and an ex-boyfriend interspersed throughout.^[7] Presley Gerber Mike Wass of Idolator called the video "sexy and emotional".^[6]

Track listing

Digital download^[8]

1. "Dead" – 3:14

Cedric Gervais Remix^[9]

1. "Dead" (Cedric Gervais Remix) – 3:19

Acoustic^[10]

1. "Dead" (Acoustic) – 3:44

Laibert Remix^[11]

1. "Dead" (Laibert Remix Radio Edit) – 3:59
2. "Dead" (Laibert Remix Club Edit) – 4:25

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wass . Mike . Madison Beer Reinvents Herself On Indie-Pop Anthem "Dead". . 19 May 2017 . August 14, 2019.
2. Web site: Wass . Mike . Madison Beer's "Dead" Gets A Massive Cedric Gervais Remix . Idolator . 14 August 2017 . August 14, 2019.
3. Weatherby . Taylor . Madison Beer Confronts a Game-Playing Ex in New Single 'Dead': Video Premiere . . August 14, 2019.
4. Web site: Wiest . Brianna . Madison Beer's "Dead" Video Fuels Fan Speculation That the Song Is About Jack Gilinsky . . 3 August 2017 . August 14, 2019.
5. Web site: Nied . Mike . Madison Beer Hits The Skate Park In Her "Home With You" Video . Idolator . 14 June 2018 . August 14, 2019.
6. Web site: Wass . Mike . Madison Beer Shows Her Ex What He's Missing In "Dead" Video . 3 August 2017 . August 13, 2019.
7. Web site: madison beer's 'dead' music video is finally here . . August 13, 2019.
8. Web site: Dead – Single . . August 14, 2019.
9. Web site: Dead (Madison Beer vs. Cedric Gervais) [Cedric Gervais Remix] – Single ]. Apple Music . August 14, 2019.
10. Web site: Dead ((Acoustic) - Single . Apple Music . August 14, 2019.
11. Web site: Dead (Madison Beer vs. Cedric Gervais) [Cedric Gervais Remix] – Single ]. . August 14, 2019.