Bryant Barnes Shares the Inner Turmoil That Inspired Hit Single ‘Don’t Want a Love Song’
Bryant Barnes is one to watch in 2024, and after flying onto our radars with his viral TikTok channel and the success of last year's "Adore You," he's back and better than ever with his newest release, "Don't Want a Love Song."
After releasing last month, it's already accumulated a couple of million streams, drawing listeners in with Bryant's yearning, honey-like vocals, the slow strum of an acoustic guitar and all-too-relatable lyrics that reflect unreciprocated love. The singer-songwriter and musician puts all of his talents on vulnerable display on the new track, and he's just getting started. Curious about the artist and what's next? Keep scrolling to read our full interview with Bryant on all things "Don't Want a Love Song."
The Story Behind 'Don't Want a Love Song'
Bryant Barnes: I'd say "Don't Want A Love Song" doesn't pertain to a specific experience I've had but more so a collection of those experiences and the feelings derived from them, the main one being misery from the absence of love. I wanted the lyrics to really capture the feelings involved in these situations so that they could be relatable to everyone, and I think we did a pretty good job of that.
"Don't Want A Love Song" is really about a situation that a lot of people have experienced of wanting someone and not having those feelings reciprocated back towards you. "Don't Want a Love Song" could be interpreted from the perspective of the listener not wanting to hear a love song or the artist not wanting to write a love song because a love song is typically about two people that love each other, and in this scenario, the other person is undeserving of one.
What 'Don't Want a Love Song' Means
BB: To me, this song means a lot because I feel that I've had situations in the past that were a reflection of the situation in the song. I think that since it's so relatable, the people listening to this would be able to resonate with it too.
(Image courtesy of Republic Records)
Also read about: Jelani Aryeh Shares the Feeling of Detachment That Inspired New Single, 'Sweater Club'
Bryant's Favorite Lyric
BB: My favorite lyric from the song is "Why can't you love me anymore?" because the lyric is so direct and very raw. I feel that in situations where the partner does not reciprocate feelings the sentiment in this line is very relatable.
What's Next
BB: More music. I have so much music that I'm ready to share with everyone.
For more interviews with our favorite artists on new music, click HERE to hear from Kat Cunning on their latest single, "Heart of Gold."