"If the World Was Ending" is a song written and performed by Canadian singer JP Saxe featuring American singer Julia Michaels. The song was released by Arista Records on October 17, 2019, through digital download and streaming formats as the lead single from his second EP Hold It Together.[2] It is also included on his debut studio album Dangerous Levels of Introspection.[3] The song was nominated for Song of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, being Saxe's first and Michaels' third nomination.
Background
Speaking to Billboard, Julia Michaels said "I discovered JP Saxe's music and posted about him around the same time he was listening to Inner Monologue. Since we were fans of each other's music, we got together for a writing session." Saxe added "Writing this song with Julia was one of the most creative experiences of my life. We wrote it the day we met and recorded it that same day."[4] Michaels shared "The song is about that person in your life who you would come back to if the world was ending, when nothing else matters and there is nothing left to hold you back."
Regarding the sentiments evoked in the composition, Saxe expressed, "Hopefully we are looking for our sense of compassion. My hope is that it's resonating because it connects people to the part of themselves that wants to put love first, that wants to reach out to that family member they haven't talked to in a while, or that friend".[5]
The duo recruited producer Finneas to finalize their piece. "We wanted to find a producer who was going to take up the integrity and emotional contour of our original demo and bring out what was already there. We put together our dream list of producers, and when we reached out to Finneas, he loved the song and told us he wanted to produce it. We were very excited for him to be part of it because he has such unique instincts when it comes to production. And he wanted what we wanted, which was to take the feeling of the song that was there and bring it out and accentuate that emotional world".[5] Michaels says she is now over the song.
Composition
"If the World Was Ending" is a piano ballad, played in the keys of A minor and F minor at a tempo of 75 beats per minute. During the chorus, Saxe and Michaels are heard singing the lines over layers of backing vocals. The instrumental consists of a piano, played by Finneas, and gospel vocals.[4] In the second and final chorus, violins are played.
About the lyrics
Throughout the song, JP Saxe, together with Julia Michaels, reminisces over a past and flawed relationship, hopefully it can start again with the best intentions and a good amount of patience. Saxe gives audiences a look into the piece's lyrics on Genius.com: "Julia scribed the lyrics at the end of the chorus. 'And there wouldn't be a reason why we would even have to say goodbye,' stabbed me in the heart when she first said it." Pondering the feeling that we don't have to wish each other farewell assures us all would be well. However, the reason for this lack of departure is dark and integrated into the removal of all consequences by the universe. Two situations exist in the song. The beginning situation happens amid a harmless earthquake. The imagined fantasy that occurs later asks, 'if everything did go to ruin, what would transpire?' The word: 'right.' holds a plethora of weight. It holds the doubt, hope, the question, 'are you with me on this?'. The term functions as the period mark following preceding events."[6]
Commercial performance
On the Hot 100 it debuted on 96 on April 11, 2020. It peaked at number 27 on the chart dated September 12, 2020, giving Saxe's first and Michaels's second top 40.[7]
Music videos
The music video, directed by Jason Lester, was released on October 17, 2019. After the Emergency Alert System warns of a “significant environmental event” hitting the United States, the video cuts to two lovers – JP Saxe and Julia – reviewing their last text conversation. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration instructs citizens to seek refuge in their nearest fallout shelter, JP reads how Julia needed some “space.” Suddenly, with extinction looming, the two reevaluate their priorities and are forced to decide just how they want to spend their last few hours on Earth.[8]
Another music video titled "Spanglish Version" featuring Evaluna Montaner released on April 3, 2020.[9]
The third video of the song was titled "If the World Was Ending (In Support of Doctors Without Borders)" featuring music artists was released on April 30, 2020.[10]Sam Smith, H.E.R., Alessia Cara, Niall Horan, Keith Urban and Finneas (the song's producer) are among the long list of names who sing Saxe and Michaels' duet. Saxe explained that the collaboration was inspired by covers of the song he saw online, and he then texted the featured artists to ask if they'd want to get involved.[11] Each artist filmed their part on their phones from their homes while self-isolating. All proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders, where one of Saxe's friends worked, and the video ends with a special message from a participating doctor about the impact of COVID-19 on countries where many of the doctors are stationed.[11]
"We are so grateful for the incredible work being done by those on the frontlines during this global pandemic," Saxe and Michaels said in a joint statement. "At a time when it can sometimes feel like 'the world is ending,' we thank all of the healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers who are helping so many people in need. Please stay home, stay safe (and don't actually go over!)".[12]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 28. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 19. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 15. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
