Kenneth Cappello
In the wake of his shocking death on Wednesday, Liam Payne’s last single, “Teardrops,” will be giving you just that.
The former One Direction member released the track in February, months before he died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 16.
“Teardrops are falling down your face again/‘Cause I don’t know how to love you/When I am broken too,” a pained Payne sings in the chorus.
Admitting that “I could be the problem,” he expresses his regret: “I’m hating on myself ’cause I hate it when I make you cry.”
In his tender croon, the former One Direction singer confesses his own suffering: “I’m struggling to see the sunrise lately/I really wish that I could mend.”
But Payne pledges to heal the heartbreak: “I’ll make you love me again, I swear. I’m gonna learn how to be a better man.”
As The Post previously reported, officials initially stated that Payne “jumped from the balcony of his room” at CasaSur Palermo. However, the autopsy report said the singer had fallen. Communications Director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, Pablo Policicchio, told Page Six that investigators are still working to determine if it was an accident or intentional.
Payne fractured his skull and died instantly of “very serious injuries,” medical officials confirmed on Thursday.
“Teadrops” — which Payne co-wrote with former *NSYNC member JC Chasez and frequent One Direction Jamie Scott — was released as the first single of what was supposed to be his second solo album.
“Teardrops is about the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments,” he said in press release for the single.
“This song marks the start of a new beginning, there’s lots more to come in 2024,” he continued, adding that his new music was coming after a “year long process of self-reflection.”
But there were reports that Payne had postponed his second album before his death at 31.
A source told the Sun on Oct. 8 that “things are tough for Liam at the moment” after he parted ways with his manager earlier this year. “He was a steady hand for Liam and he appears to be struggling without his guidance,” they said.
“Things have started to seem slightly erratic, with plans being made before they are canceled last minute.”
“Teardrops” was Payne’s first new single since 2021’s “Sunshine.”
After One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne made his solo debut with the Top 10 hit “Strip It Down,” featuring rapper Quavo, in 2017.
He followed that up with collaborations with Zedd (“Get Low”), Rita Ora (“For You”), J Balvin (“Familiar”), French Montana (“First Time”) and A Boogie wit da Hoodie (“Stack It Up”) before releasing his debut solo album, “LP1,” in 2019. But he never reached the chart-topping heights of One Direction.
Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson released a joint statement on Payne’s passing on Thursday.
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the statement obtained by the Post read. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” they added. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”