AUDIO: SUN GOES DOWN by Lil Nas X

“SUN GOES DOWN” is the second single for Lil Nas X’s debut album MONTERO. Unlike the album’s anticipated prior single, “MONTERO,” this track’s existence was revealed by Nas X just a week prior to its release.

In the song, Lil Nas X portrays a younger self conflicted by his complexion and homosexuality and dealing with loneliness. The artist explained in a tweet:

I named the song “the sun goes down” because I feel like at night is when those thoughts you try to avoid really start to hit and you can’t escape them

While the chorus recalls past suicidal thoughts, the rest of the song carries a strong message of hope, as the sole verse ends with Nas X finding the outlet thanks to his 2019 coming-out.

The music video further reflects the introspective nature of the track and features a younger Lil Nas X struggling to find his place.