JP Saxe & Julia Michaels’ “If The World Was Ending”: A Deep Dive into Love, Apocalypse, and Poignant Collaboration

In an age where human connections often feel fleeting, two remarkable artists, JP Saxe and Julia Michaels, have crafted a song that cuts straight to the heart of what truly matters when everything else falls away. Their powerful collaboration, “If The World Was Ending,” is more than just a pop ballad; it’s a profound exploration of enduring love, unspoken feelings, and the ultimate test of any relationship. This touching track, released on October 17th, invites listeners to ponder a universal question: when faced with the unimaginable, who would you choose to spend your final moments with?

The song’s accompanying music video sets a dramatically poignant scene, bringing the “end of the world” premise to vivid life. As an ominous Emergency Alert System message blares across screens, warning of a “significant environmental event” rapidly approaching the United States, viewers are drawn into the intimate world of two former lovers, portrayed by JP Saxe and Julia Michaels themselves. The frantic warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration instruct citizens to seek immediate refuge in the nearest fallout shelter, yet for this couple, the external chaos only serves to highlight a deeper, more personal crisis.

We see JP Saxe scrolling through old text messages, a silent testament to a relationship that has run its course – at least on the surface. He pauses on a message from Julia, a simple yet loaded request for “space.” In that moment, with the world seemingly on the brink of extinction, the triviality of past arguments and the pain of a breakup are overshadowed by an overwhelming human instinct: the need for connection, comfort, and perhaps, a final reconciliation. The impending apocalypse forces them to re-evaluate their priorities, confronting the raw, undeniable truth of their lingering bond and prompting a desperate decision about how they truly want to spend their last few hours on Earth.

The Genesis of a Ballad: Inspiration from Earthquakes and Unspoken Feelings

The inspiration behind “If The World Was Ending” is as compelling as the song itself, born from a serendipitous first meeting and a very real, albeit fleeting, sense of existential dread. JP Saxe shared the fascinating backstory with HollywoodLife, explaining, “Julia and I wrote this song the day we met.” This immediate creative synergy between the two artists is palpable in the final product, showcasing an instant connection that transcended their individual talents.

Saxe revealed that their conversation that day, just a couple of weeks after a significant earthquake had rattled Los Angeles, sparked the song’s central concept. “We were talking about the reasons people have to not to talk to the people they really want to talk to…but know they shouldn’t talk to…and how many of those reasons would hold up in the apocalypse,” he elaborated. This candid discussion tapped into a universal human experience: the complex interplay between societal expectations, personal pride, and the deep-seated desire for connection, especially with those we’ve shared an intimate past.

The earthquake served as a powerful metaphor, a small-scale “end of the world” scenario that forced a reconsideration of what truly matters. In that fragile state, the perceived barriers and justifications for avoiding certain conversations or individuals suddenly crumble. The song beautifully captures this shift in perspective, suggesting that in the face of ultimate finality, all the petty reasons for separation and silence become meaningless. It’s a testament to the power of shared vulnerability and the raw honesty that can emerge when time is perceived as running out.

Lyrical Poignancy: When the World Ends, Does Love Endure?

“If The World Was Ending” is not just a concept piece; it’s a profoundly heartfelt ballad that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet pain of a lingering connection. The lyrics weave a narrative of a couple separated for “a year,” with the protagonist admitting, “Think I’ve figured out how…to think about you without it ripping my heart out.” This line alone speaks volumes, revealing the enduring struggle of moving on from a significant relationship, even when time has passed and efforts have been made to heal.

Despite the progress in letting go, a crucial question remains, posed with raw vulnerability in the chorus: “But, if the world was ending, you’d come over, right? You’d come over and stay the night?” This simple yet incredibly powerful plea encapsulates the entire theme of the song. It’s not about rekindling a romantic flame in a normal sense, but rather a desperate yearning for comfort, familiarity, and a shared understanding in the face of the ultimate unknown. It’s a request for unconditional presence, a testament to a bond that transcends the superficialities of a breakup.

The song delves into the paradox of human relationships: the ability to hurt each other deeply, yet still harbor an intrinsic need for that person’s presence during life’s most challenging moments. It explores the idea that some connections are so fundamental that they persist even through separation and the passage of time. The lyrics highlight the emotional honesty that can emerge when societal norms and personal defenses are stripped away, leaving only the raw truth of human attachment.

While the pain of the breakup is undeniably real and palpable within the song’s verses, the overarching sentiment is one of unwavering, enduring love. It suggests that the love between these two individuals is stronger than any argument, any period of separation, or even the end of the world itself. “If The World Was Ending” masterfully drives home the message that, ultimately, genuine love finds a way to endure, offering solace and connection when everything else falters.

JP Saxe: From Viral Success to Chart-Topping Collaborations

JP Saxe, the Toronto-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, has steadily built a reputation for crafting emotionally resonant and lyrically astute music. Before the widespread acclaim of “If The World Was Ending,” Saxe had already begun to capture audiences with his distinctive voice and poignant storytelling. His journey is a testament to the power of independent artistry and the undeniable impact of a truly great song.

One of his pivotal early successes came with the self-released single, “The Few Things.” This song quickly became a viral phenomenon, accumulating an astounding 50 million streams and captivating listeners globally. The organic reach and profound connection “The Few Things” achieved demonstrated Saxe’s innate ability to tap into universal emotions with his music. This independent success ultimately paved the way for a significant career milestone: signing with the prestigious Arista Records, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.

Saxe’s discography prior to his collaboration with Julia Michaels also includes tracks that showcased his versatility and willingness to experiment. His single, “Women Who Look Like You,” featured a compelling collaboration with rapper GuapDad 4000, illustrating his capacity to blend genres while maintaining his signature lyrical depth. JP Saxe’s music is characterized by its raw honesty, introspective lyrics, and melodic sensibilities, often exploring the complexities of relationships and the human condition with a refreshing vulnerability.

With the success of “If The World Was Ending” solidifying his position as a prominent voice in contemporary pop, JP Saxe has continued to be prolific. He has plans to release more new music throughout the remainder of the year, promising to keep his growing fanbase engaged with fresh material. Currently, fans have the opportunity to experience his captivating live performances as he embarks on a tour with fellow artist Noah Kahan. His ability to connect with audiences, both through his studio recordings and his live shows, underscores his rising star power and the anticipation surrounding his future projects. For those eager to witness his talent firsthand, checking his official website for tour dates is highly recommended.

Julia Michaels: A Lyrical Powerhouse and Solo Sensation

Julia Michaels has long been recognized as one of the most prolific and influential songwriters in the music industry, having penned hits for a myriad of chart-topping artists before truly stepping into her own spotlight as a solo performer. Her transition from behind-the-scenes lyricist to front-and-center artist has been met with widespread acclaim, celebrated for her raw honesty, unfiltered emotion, and distinctive vocal delivery.

Michaels kicked off 2019 with a significant release, her EP titled Inner Monologue Part 1. This collection of songs was a candid exploration of her personal thoughts, anxieties, and relationship experiences, instantly resonating with listeners who appreciated her unflinching honesty. The success of Part 1 was quickly followed by Inner Monologue Part 2, which dropped in June of the same year. Both EPs showcased her unique lyrical style – often characterized by conversational, relatable, and sometimes self-deprecating narratives – and her ability to transform vulnerability into compelling pop anthems.

Her solo work has firmly established her as an artist who isn’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths, whether it’s about mental health, self-doubt, or the messy realities of love and heartbreak. Her songs often feel like pages torn from a personal diary, inviting listeners into her inner world with an intimacy that is rare in mainstream music. This authenticity is a significant part of her appeal and has garnered her a dedicated fanbase and critical praise, including Grammy nominations.

Fans of Julia Michaels eagerly anticipate the next installment of her acclaimed series. While the third part of the Inner Monologue series has yet to be officially released, Michaels herself has hinted that it is indeed on its way. This ongoing narrative in her music allows for a deeper connection with her audience, providing a continuous insight into her evolving perspectives and emotional landscape. Her collaboration with JP Saxe on “If The World Was Ending” perfectly complements her artistic ethos, reinforcing her reputation as a master of emotional storytelling and a powerful voice in contemporary pop music.

The Enduring Resonance: Why This Song Matters Now More Than Ever

“If The World Was Ending” transcends its initial premise to deliver a message of profound significance about human connection and the ultimate value of love. In an increasingly uncertain world, where global events often make us question our priorities, the song serves as a poignant reminder of what truly endures. It’s a compelling commentary on how easily we can get caught up in trivial disputes or ego-driven separations, only to find those reasons utterly meaningless in the face of existential threats.

The collaboration between JP Saxe and Julia Michaels not only showcases their individual talents but also highlights the magic that can happen when two empathetic songwriters come together. They’ve created a piece of art that encourages introspection, urging listeners to consider their own relationships and the people who would matter most when all pretense is stripped away. It challenges us to reflect on the people we hold dear, the unspoken words we carry, and the importance of bridging gaps before it’s too late.

This powerful ballad has resonated deeply with audiences because it speaks to a universal human fear – the unknown – and offers a simple yet profound solution: connection. It suggests that even in the darkest of times, or perhaps especially then, the warmth of a familiar presence and the comfort of enduring love can be the greatest solace. “If The World Was Ending” is not just a song about a breakup or an apocalypse; it’s an anthem for recalibrating our perspectives, valuing our bonds, and recognizing that true love, in its purest form, is indeed stronger than anything the world can throw at us.

As JP Saxe and Julia Michaels continue to shape the landscape of modern pop music, “If The World Was Ending” stands as a monumental achievement in their respective careers. It’s a timeless track that will undoubtedly continue to move hearts and inspire reflection for years to come, solidifying its place as a poignant masterpiece that reminds us to cherish every moment and every connection.