The Weeknd’s sultry soul and hip hop sound combine perfectly to fuel the intense lyrics of “The Hills.” Singing to a woman who’s cheating on her boyfriend with him, Abel Tesfaye starts the song off with a quick and dirty explanation of the track’s dicey relationship situation. “Your man on the road. He doin’ promo / You said, ‘Keep our business on the low-low’,” he croons. The Weeknd also alludes to wanting to take the romance to the next level. “I’m just tryna get you out the friend zone/ ‘Cause you look even better than the photos,” he sings.
As the song progresses, The Weeknd continues to reveal more details about this scandalous arrangement, delivering his lines with the rebellious attitude of a “raised middle finger,” per The Guardian. “I only call you when it’s half-past five/The only time that I’ll be by your side,” he sings. “I only love it when you touch me, not feel me/ When I’m f***ed up, that’s the real me.”
This infidelity banger definitely resonated with fans, holding the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for weeks and earning certified Diamond status with the Recording Industry Association of America in 2019.
