Blackbear vows to change for the better on his short, but sweet “SWEAR TO GOD,” an advance single from his 2019 LP, ANONYMOUS.

“I ran into God at the liquor store / She asked me what I’m always running for.”  Hmm, what an interesting lyric that blackbear sings on “SWEAR TO GOD,” an advance single from his 2019 album, ANONYMOUS. ANONYMOUS marks the R&B singer’s first new project since 2017, when he released mansionz (with bud Mike Posner), digital druglord, and his mixtape, cybersex. On “SWEAR TO GOD,” blackbear seems to get serious about cleaning himself up – cleaning up his life.

The aforementioned line, excerpted from the first verse, seems to perfectly capture the mess that the singer’s life is in. He echoes a similar sentiment on the second verse, which references depression, heartbreak, and his own mistakes.  Reading into “SWEAR TO GOD,” one of the reasons why it’s clever is because blackbear seems to weave in relationships with substances, God (loosely), and of course, a ‘woman’ who “Ripped out the best part of my heart and let it bleed.” Of course, there’s more to the story.  On the pre-chorus, it seems the singer is focused on his substance abuse issues – “I got too much doubt and I don’t know my limit.” On the chorus, he takes responsibilities for his mistakes, including cheating and drugging, while vowing to change.

“But I could deny, and I could just lie

But I’m forthcoming to you

I’m telling the truth, I cheated on you

And it didn’t feel good, promised I’d change

But you see right through

I’m sick of taking flights to see these other girls

I swear I’m gonna change

I’m sick of taking drugs and feeling bad

I swear to God, I’m gonna change.”

Final Thoughts 

Surprisingly, “SWEAR TO GOD” packs a respectable punch, even clocking it at a mere two-and-a-half minutes. Despite his hard times and self-inflicted mistakes, the record is set in an optimistic major-key and driven by rhythmic strings.  Despite the darkness of the past, blackbear aims to be better, something reflected lyrically and musically.  “SWEAR TO GOD” won’t change your life per se but give blackbear credit for admitting his mistakes and looking towards a more mature and responsible future.

Blackbear • ANONYMOUS • Alamo / Interscope • Release: 4.26.19

Photo Credits: Alamo / Interscope