This is not a drill!
Lewis Capaldi is back and fans couldn’t be happier. After years of silence, social media clues, and countless “is he coming back?” rumours, the Scottish singer made his long-awaited return today with “Survive” a raw and emotional track that feels like both a confession and a declaration. For fans who’ve been piecing together his whereabouts through cryptic posts and whispers online, this release is a massive moment.
It’s been two years since Capaldi’s last performance at Glastonbury, where his set ended in emotional scenes that went viral. Struggling through the final songs due to his Tourette’s symptoms, he ultimately let the crowd finish for him. What followed was a heartfelt decision to take a step back from music and focus on his health. Fast-forward to now, and not only has he returned with new music, he’s done it in classic Capaldi fashion, with a touch of mystery and a lot of heart.
In the days leading up to the release, fans spotted unbranded billboards across Glasgow and near the entrance to Glastonbury Festival. Pasted with lyrics like “Most nights, I fear that I’m not enough” and “I refuse to spend my best years rotting in the sun,” each poster included only a phone number. Texting it got you a cryptic reply but it was all part of the build-up. Now, with “Survive” out in the world, it’s clear those signs were the first chapter in Capaldi’s return and possibly a hint that he’ll be taking one of the festival’s coveted secret slots this weekend.
As for the song itself, it’s everything you’d hope for from Lewis. Honest, emotional, and deeply human, the reason why he is so loved by millions of fans around the world. The lyrics are raw: “I swear to God I’ll survive, if it kills me to” feels so open considering everything he’s been through. It’s not polished pop pretending to be deep, it’s messy, real, and hopeful. He’s not saying he’s fixed. He’s saying he’s still here, still trying.
“Survive” is a reminder that you can fall apart, step away, and still come back stronger. Whether he turns up on a Glastonbury stage or not, this song alone proves that Lewis Capaldi hasn’t lost what made him one of the most loved voices in music. And everyone is behind him!
“Survive” flies in today with an 8 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography