Miley Cyrus has unveiled her latest single, “End of the World,” on April 3, 2025, marking the first official release from her forthcoming ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, which is slated for release on May 30, 2025.
“End of the World” is a disco-infused track that encourages embracing life’s moments despite uncertainties. The song opens with Cyrus addressing a partner’s fears about the future, singing, “Today, you woke up and you told me that you wanted to cry / The sky was falling like a comet on the Fourth of July.” She counters this apprehension with a call to live fully: “Let’s pretend that it’s not the end of the world.”
The accompanying music video, co-directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, features Cyrus performing in a custom emerald green Mugler minidress designed by Casey Cadwallader. The visuals exude a retro, glamorous aesthetic, aligning with the song’s disco vibe.
Fans may recognize “End of the World” from Cyrus’s intimate performances at the Chateau Marmont in 2023, where she debuted a stripped-down version of the song. At the time, she dedicated the performance to her mother, Tish Cyrus, adding a personal layer to the track’s theme of cherishing moments with loved ones.
Lyrically, the song is rich with cultural references. Cyrus mentions throwing “a party like McCartney with some help from my friends,” nodding to Paul McCartney and The Beatles’ classic, “With a Little Help from My Friends.” She also references Malibu, recalling her 2017 song of the same name, which reflected on personal growth and past relationships.
“End of the World” serves as a prelude to Something Beautiful, an album Cyrus describes as a concept piece with “healing sound properties.” Inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, the album aims to present themes of destruction, heartbreak, and death in a beautiful light, highlighting the contrast inherent in life’s most challenging moments.
As anticipation builds for the full album release, “End of the World” stands as a testament to Miley Cyrus’s evolving artistry, blending nostalgic sounds with contemporary themes, and encouraging listeners to find joy amid uncertainty.
