NEW MUSIC: Olivia Rodrigo releases single “Vampire”
Photo courtesy of Interscope Records and Geffen Records.
JUNE 30, 2023 | BY KAITLYN CUPELLI
The 20-year old singer-songwriter took over a two year break from releasing new music following the record-breaking and award-winning success of her debut album, Sour. With “Vampire,” Rodrigo has returned with a bang.
“Vampire” is the lead single from Rodrigo’s sophomore album, GUTS, which is set to release on September 8th of this year. The song starts out with a slow piano melody, before quickly picking up as Rodrigo lays more and more of her emotions bare. The persistent drumline in the background fits perfectly with the angry nature of the song. In fact, “Vampire” might just be Rodrigo’s angriest song yet.
Throughout the song, Rodrigo uses the metaphor of a vampire, as she feels that she was sucked dry and taken advantage of by the subject of the song. In the chorus, she refers to this person as a “bloodsucker” and “famefucker.” The subject is a monster who only “come(s) out at night,” incapable of real love because they do not have a heart, according to Rodrigo.
The song is also filled with regret. Rodrigo feels stupid and naïve for truly loving the subject of the song and not listening to what people told her about them. She also partially blames her age for how she was used, saying “went for me and not her ‘cause girls your age know better,” suggesting there is an age gap between Rodrigo and who she is singing about.
Vocally, Rodrigo is better than ever. You can hear the pain in her voice as she practically screams “you sunk your teeth into me, oh, bloodsucker, famefucker, bleedin’ me dry like a goddamn vampire.” The emotionally vulnerable and heartbreaking lyrics are a characteristic to Rodrigo’s music that makes it incredibly easy to relate to her pain and empathize with her.
Overall, “Vampire” is a strong comeback to music that shows Rodrigo is here to stay. The release of her sophomore album, GUTS, will now be even more eagerly-anticipated.