The Weeknd, Baptized in Fear | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 18th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we highlight “Baptized in Fear” performed by The Weeknd.  

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 18^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we break down “Baptized in Fear” performed by The Weeknd.

“I fell asleep in the tub, I was met with paralysis / My foot hit the faucet, water started flowing in.” Uh-oh, The Weeknd – that sounds like a horrible situation. Paralysis occurs when you’re unable to make voluntary muscle movements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Not good! He continues singing in the sole verse of “Baptized In Fear”, “Couldn’t scream for help, I just slowly felt the pressure hit / Moving one toe was the only form of motion left.”  The picture that Abel Tesfaye paints in the sixth track from Hurry Up Tomorrow is life-threatening. Death, in some form or fashion, is possible (“Figure in the corner I can’t quite see / I just know the shadow’s staring at me”). Despite this shadow and  his ‘slowing heartbeat’ in the pre-chorus, in the chorus, “Voices tell me that I should carry on.” Word. Who are the voices? Angels? 

The Weeknd, Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), and Nathan Salon composed “Baptized in Fear.” The Weeknd, Salon, Oneohtrix Point Never, and MIKE DEAN produced it.  The musical backdrop is sensational – ear-catching to the nth degree.  Even so, it is The Weeknd who ‘steals the show’ with his radiant vocals. Tesfaye sings authentically, putting his all into this introspective ballad. “I’ve been baptized in fear, my dear,” he sings in the bridge, adding, “Like Paul, I’m the chief of sin / Washing my soul within, oh.” The Paul he cites was the famous Apostle of Jesus and the author of many books of the Bible. The spiritual references make “Baptized In Fear” that much more special.  Is this a religious song? No, but, The Weeknd is incredibly reflective as he thinks about life, his musical career, and the future. Marvelous vocals, love, rhythmic melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and superb production make “Baptized In Fear” a surefire winner from Hurry Up Tomorrow.

The Weeknd // Hurry Up Tomorrow // The Weeknd XO Music ULC / Republic // 2025

The Weeknd, Baptized In Fear: Bangerz N Bopz No. 18 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; The Weeknd XO Music ULC / Republic; Bigshow Lamar Campton, Daniel Duarte, Eduardo López from Pexels; AcatXIo, djexpectations, OpenClipart-Vectors, Thai Zeo from Pixabay]