Raye’s an absolute force in British music. She went from being this behind-the-scenes songwriter for massive artists to completely owning the spotlight herself.

After breaking free from her old label drama, she dropped “Escapism,” and it just blew up everywhere.

What makes her special is how she’s incredibly raw and honest in her music, especially about her struggles in the industry and her personal life.

Her voice has this unique, soulful quality that just hits differently.

About the Song

“Escapism” explores using substances and casual encounters to numb the pain after heartbreak.

It paints a raw picture of self-destructive behavior disguised as a temporary escape from emotional hurt.

Escapism Lyrics by RAYE and 070 Shake

Intro: RAYE

Sleazin’ and teasin’, I’m sittin’ on him
All of my diamonds are drippin’ on him
I met him at the bar, it was twelve or something
I ordered two more wines ’cause tonight, I want him

Verse 1: RAYE

A little context if you care to listen
I find myself in a shit position
The man that I love sat me down last night
And he told me that it’s over, dumb decision
And I don’t wanna feel how my heart is rippin’
In fact, I don’t wanna feel, so I stick to sippin’
And I’m out on the town with a simple mission
In my little black dress and this shit is sittin’

Pre-Chorus: RAYE

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels six inch
In the back of the nightclub, sippin’ champagne
I don’t trust any of these bitches I’m with
In the back of the taxi sniffin’ cocaine
Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex
I was lookin’ for a man who was on the same page
Now it’s back to the intro, back to the bar
To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

Chorus: RAYE

‘Cause I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
Doctor, doctor, anything, please
Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me
Take this pain away
You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel

Verse 2: RAYE & 070 Shake

Toke this joint how I’m blowin’ this steam
Back to my ways like 2019
Not twenty-four hours since my ex did dead it
I got a new man on me, it’s about to get sweaty
Last night really was the cherry on the cake
Been some dark days lately and I’m findin’ it cripplin’
Excuse my state, I’m as high as your hopes
That you’ll make it to my bed, get me hot and sizzlin’
If I take a step back to see the glass half-full
At least it’s the Prada two-piece that I’m trippin’ in
And I’m already actin’ like a dick, know what I mean?
So you might as well stick it in (What?)

Pre-Chorus: RAYE

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels six inch
In the back of the nightclub, sippin’ champagne
I don’t trust any of these bitches I’m with
In the back of the taxi sniffin’ cocaine
Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex
I was lookin’ for a man who was on the same page
Now it’s back to the intro, back to the bar
To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

Chorus: RAYE & 070 Shake

‘Cause I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
Doctor, doctor, anything, please
Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me
Take this pain away
You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel, mm (What?)

Verse 3: 070 Shake & RAYE

‘Cause I don’t wanna feel like I felt last night
I don’t wanna feel like I felt last night
Be at peace with the things you can’t change (Last night)
I’ll be naked when I leave and I was naked when I came, yeah
Out of reach, out of touch
Too numb, I don’t feel no way
Toast up, so what?
Street small, but it go both ways
So, you’ll run, yeah
But you’ll never escape
Sunset in the maze
(You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel)

Chorus: RAYE

I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
I don’t wanna feel how I did last night, oh
Doctor, doctor, anything, please
Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me
You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel

Bridge: RAYE & 070 Shake

I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
How I did, how I did, how I did last night

Outro: RAYE

Mm, lipstick smudged like modern art
I don’t know where the fuck I am or who’s drivin’ the fuckin’ car
Speedin’ down the highway, sippin’
Mixin’ pills with the liquor cah fuck these feelings
I left everyone I love on read (Uh-huh)
Spilling secrets to the stranger in my bed (Uh-huh)
I remember nothing so there’s nothing to regret (Uh-uh)
Other than this 4/4 kick drum poundin’ in my head (Mm)

Live Performances of the Song

Escapism: Live on SNL

Escapism: Spotify 2023 Wrapped Live in London

Escapism: Live at Capital’s Summertime Ball 2024

Escapism: Live at Metropolis Studios

Escapism: Live at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball 2023

Similar Songs Escapism by RAYE

• “Worth It” – Similar dark pop production with brutally honest lyrics about self-worth and toxic relationships, featuring RAYE’s signature emotional vocal delivery
• “Black Mascara” – Shares the same dance-pop meets dark narrative style, exploring themes of betrayal and using nightlife as an escape mechanism
• “Ice Cream Man” – Though more explicit, it carries the same raw storytelling about trauma and pain, with haunting electronic production
• “Oscar Winning Tears” – Features similar production elements and emotional vulnerability, focusing on manipulation in relationships and personal struggles
• “The Thrill Is Gone” – Matches Escapism’s emotional intensity and production style, dealing with the aftermath of toxic relationships and self-reflection
• “Hard Out Here” – While more upbeat, it shares the same unflinching honesty about personal struggles and industry experiences, with powerful vocal delivery
• “Environmental Anxiety” – Contains similar electronic elements and deep narrative storytelling, though focused on different themes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Certifications Does This Track Have?

Certified platinum by the BPI on February 17, 2023 and certified gold by the RIAA on February 8, 2023.

Have the Artists Collaborated Before?

RAYE and 070 Shake’s creative paths crossed for the first time on “Escapism,” marking their debut collaboration seamlessly blending their different artistic styles.