Die With A Smile

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” is a poignant ballad that delves into the depths of love and the human desire for connection in the face of life’s uncertainties. The song portrays two lovers expressing their wish to spend their final moments together, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. Lyrics like “If the world was ending, I’d wanna be next to you” highlight the theme of finding solace and happiness in companionship, even amidst potential endings. The track’s soft rock style, reminiscent of 1970s ballads, complements its emotional depth, creating a timeless feel. The accompanying music video, directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, features retro aesthetics that further enhance the song’s nostalgic and heartfelt message. Critics have lauded the song for its emotional resonance and the chemistry between Gaga and Mars, noting its success in conveying a universal message of love and the importance of living in the moment.

“Die With a Smile” is a collaborative single by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, released on August 16, 2024, through Interscope Records. This marks their first duet and was later included as the closing track on Gaga’s 2025 album Mayhem. The song was co-written and co-produced by Gaga, Mars, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, and Andrew Watt, with additional songwriting contributions from James Fauntleroy. The collaboration originated when Mars invited Gaga to his studio late one night; they completed writing and recording the song during that session . Musically, the track blends soft rock and pop-soul elements, drawing comparisons to Gaga’s “Shallow” and Mars’ work with Silk Sonic . The accompanying music video, directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, features the duo performing on a retro stage set, enhancing the song’s nostalgic feel. “Die With a Smile” achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in over 30 countries and earning multiple platinum certifications. It also became the fastest song to reach one and two billion streams on Spotify and won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards .

“Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars can be interpreted as a heartfelt reflection on love, mortality, and the beauty of sharing life’s fleeting moments with someone special. The lyrics express a desire to face the end—not with fear or regret—but with peace and gratitude, simply because they are beside someone they truly cherish. It’s a song about the power of love to provide comfort even in life’s darkest or final moments, emphasizing the idea that genuine connection can make even the end of the world feel meaningful. The retro ballad style amplifies its nostalgic and timeless emotional weight, making it both a love letter and a gentle reminder to live fully and love deeply.