Kingmaker (with Julia Michaels)

The song explores themes of betrayal, ego, and the sacrifices we make for others. Maisie Peters and Julia Michaels shine a light on how some people, when given power or success, forget those who helped them get there. There's a strong sense of disillusionment, as the singers reflect on how they supported someone who turned out to be selfish and ungrateful.

Verse 1

Gave my cloudless sky for your crooked scraper
I put in everything, I called in every favour
But give a man one sword, he thinks that he's a saviour
Watch him ride around, fucking weird behaviour

In this verse, the imagery is powerful. The "cloudless sky" suggests pure intentions and a bright future, while the "crooked scraper" hints at something flawed or broken. The singer reflects on all the effort they put in, calling in favors, only to see the other person’s ego inflate. The mention of the “sword” symbolizes power, showing how quickly someone can think they’re invincible. The last line captures the confusion and disappointment in watching someone act strangely, highlighting the shift from admiration to regret.

Chorus

Guess I walked so you could run all the way from me
'Cause once you got what you want, you didn't want me
I put gold on your head, should've put wax paper
Did you get off going to bed with the kingmaker?

The chorus emphasizes the realization of being used. The singer feels like they sacrificed for someone who only took and then left. The line about putting “gold” on their head shows how the singer tried to elevate the other person, only to feel regret over it. The phrase “kingmaker” portrays the idea of someone who helps others rise but gets nothing in return. It expresses a mix of betrayal and irony, wondering if the person found satisfaction in their newfound power.

Verse 2

Let you in my home, let you in my pictures
I was your pedestal and all I got was splinters
Should've seen it in the way you hate your sister
You love a strong woman until it makes you bitter

Here, the singer opens up about vulnerability. Letting someone into their “home” and “pictures” shows deep trust, which ultimately led to hurt. The “pedestal” metaphor illustrates how the singer elevated this person, but in return, they only got “splinters,” representing pain and disappointment. The mention of the sister adds depth, hinting at unresolved issues of jealousy or insecurity. It’s a poignant reminder that some men struggle with strong women, revealing the complexities of relationships.

Chorus

Guess I walked so you could run all the way from me
Now you say you're self-made, guess your memory's fuzzy
I put a crown on your head, should've put wax paper
Did you get off going to bed with the kingmaker?

This chorus repeats the main themes of the song. The line about being “self-made” highlights the other person’s denial of their origins. They forget who helped them achieve their success, which adds to the sting of betrayal. The imagery of the “crown” contrasts with the earlier mention of “wax paper,” suggesting that the singer now sees their past efforts as pointless. It’s a strong emotional punch that captures the bitter reality of unreciprocated love and support.

Bridge

I can't say that I saw five, but I saw star potential
Another sweet, sweet boy that I took out the kennel
Back when his ego and his bark were mostly gentle
Left me in pieces for me to reassemble

In the bridge, the singer reflects on their past choices. The phrase “star potential” conveys hope and optimism, suggesting they recognized talent but were blind to flaws. The “kennel” metaphor is interesting, hinting that they took in someone who seemed lost. The stark contrast of the “gentle” bark versus the later betrayal shows how quickly someone's nature can change. The line about being left “in pieces” adds a raw vulnerability, capturing the aftermath of this emotional investment.

Chorus

Guess I walked so they could run all the way from me
But they don't have big enough guts for all that glory
They'll take my crown, head out west, and forget their creator
Then they'll come back, they always do, to the kingmaker

This chorus reinforces the feelings of being used and discarded. The line about not having “big enough guts” speaks to the idea that although they may achieve success, they can’t handle the weight of it. The imagery of taking the “crown” and leaving symbolizes betrayal, while the idea of them returning shows a cycle of dependency. It’s a bitter reflection on how people often forget those who helped them when they find success.

Outro

Ah, kingmaker
Ah, kingmaker
Ah, kingmaker
Ah, kingmaker

The outro repeats the term “kingmaker,” driving home the central theme. It suggests a mix of resignation and acceptance. The repetition underscores the weight of the realization that the singer played a vital role in someone else’s rise yet feels unrecognized. It’s both haunting and reflective, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices we often make.

Closing Thoughts

"Kingmaker" is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, and betrayal. The vivid imagery and emotional honesty create a strong connection with listeners. It serves as a reminder that supporting others can sometimes lead to heartbreak, especially when they forget their roots. The song resonates with anyone who's felt used or unappreciated, making it a relatable anthem for moving on and reclaiming one's power.