"The Last Song I'll Write for You" is a song recorded by American Idolseason 7 winner and singer-songwriter David Cook. It was released independently as a single through Cook's imprint Analog Heart Music on May 4, 2012, following his departure from RCA Records.[2][3]
Content
"The Last Song I'll Write for You" is a mid-tempo rock ballad that draws on elements of both pop rock and alternative rock. Kevin Rutherford of Billboard described the song's style as "adult alternative."[1] Its lyrics describe a breakup and moving on from a relationship that is no longer healthy, which, given the timing of its release, has led critics to speculate that the song refers to Cook's split from his record label.[4][5] Cook, however, has dismissed this theory, explaining to Yahoo! Music that the ballad was inspired by "an ex from long, long, long ago."[5][6]
Background and release
"The Last Song I'll Write for You" was written by Cook, Andy Skib, and Daniel James, and was produced by John Fields.[7] It was released to digital retailers on May 4, 2012 before Cook premiered the song on the May 10, 2012 episode of the eleventh season of American Idol.[2][8]
Reception
Commercial performance
The single sold 15,000 copies in its first week of release,[9] debuting and peaking at number 45 on the Billboard Pop Digital Songs chart.[10]
Critical reception
Grady Smith of Entertainment Weekly says "the slow-burn hook on this self-released breakup ballad is earnestly catchy."[11]
