It wasn’t in the studio – the surprising place where Lauv and Troye Sivan’s ‘I’m So Tired’ was born

The global pop scene thrives on collaborations that blend unique styles, and one of the most memorable in recent years was between Lauv and Troye Sivan. Their track, “I’m So Tired,” quickly became a streaming sensation, resonating with millions of listeners who were drawn to its bittersweet lyrics and danceable production. But behind its success lies a very human story of creativity, frustration, and friendship.

In an interview with Billboard, Lauv revealed how a casual hangout in his backyard with Troye Sivan sparked the creation of “I’m So Tired.” The story not only highlights the song’s origin but also sheds light on Lauv’s evolving artistry and his plans to explore themes beyond romance in his future projects.

How Lauv and Troye Sivan Connected

Before teaming up for their breakout collaboration, Lauv and Troye Sivan had crossed paths several times in the music industry. Their professional chemistry became clear after performing at the same show, which soon led to a decision to try writing together.

At first, the session didn’t yield magic. Lauv admitted that their initial attempt produced a “bad song” that neither artist was excited about. However, what happened next changed everything. Lauv shared a rough demo idea for what would become the chorus of “I’m So Tired,” nervously asking Troye for feedback. To his surprise, Troye loved it. In fact, he was dancing around the room, proving that the idea had serious potential.

This moment of validation gave Lauv the confidence to move forward, and together, the two artists began shaping the track into something special.

The Backyard Session That Changed Everything

What makes the story of “I’m So Tired” so unique is its humble setting. Lauv and Troye Sivan sat in Lauv’s backyard, bouncing lyrical ideas back and forth while reflecting on their own past relationships.

They discussed songs that reminded them of exes and the almost self-destructive habit of replaying those tracks to relive emotional pain. This raw honesty directly influenced the lyrical direction of “I’m So Tired.”

One of Lauv’s favorite sections of the track—the pre-chorus following Troye’s verse—was born from these backyard conversations. With lines like “Hurts like heaven, lost in the sound, buzzcut season like, you’re still around,” the song captured the bittersweet cycle of heartbreak, nostalgia, and the music that often amplifies those emotions.

Lauv’s Intentional Shift in Songwriting

For Lauv, “I’m So Tired” represented a deliberate shift in his musical direction. His earlier work, especially songs on his “I Met You When I Was 18” playlist, centered heavily on love and relationships. Tracks like “I Like Me Better” painted a picture of young romance, vulnerability, and emotional highs.

By contrast, “I’m So Tired” emerged as a kind of backlash to that phase. As Lauv explained, he had grown exhausted with writing about romance. The song became a cathartic way to step outside the box he had built for himself and explore new emotional territory.

Despite its anti-romance theme, the track retained Lauv’s signature melodic accessibility, making it both relatable and infectious. Fans quickly embraced the shift, and the single skyrocketed in popularity.

Troye Sivan’s Creative Influence

While Lauv had the initial chorus idea, Troye Sivan played a pivotal role in shaping the final song. According to Lauv, Troye brought a unique perspective to the writing process by drawing inspiration from unexpected places.

Troye often reads books and collects random words or phrases that spark his imagination. This habit contrasted with Lauv’s more spontaneous approach, where ideas typically flow without pre-written concepts. Together, their styles created a balance, blending Lauv’s instinctive writing with Troye’s intentional creativity.

This collaboration highlighted not just their friendship but also their complementary strengths as artists. The result was a song that felt authentic to both of them.

The Song’s Meteoric Success

Released in January 2019, “I’m So Tired” quickly made waves. Within its first month, it had already surpassed 66 million streams on Spotify and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s momentum only grew with the release of its official music video on Valentine’s Day and a vertical video on February 26.

The track struck a chord because it wasn’t just another pop anthem about falling in love—it was about being completely drained by love songs themselves. This clever twist on a universal theme made the single stand out in a crowded market.

Beyond Romance: Lauv’s Future Plans

While “I’m So Tired” was a milestone, Lauv made it clear that it was also a transitional track leading to broader artistic exploration. He explained that his upcoming debut album wouldn’t solely focus on romance but would also tackle themes like insecurity, identity, the Internet, and personal growth.

By branching out, Lauv aimed to create a body of work that resonated with listeners on multiple levels, offering a more holistic view of life and emotions beyond just love stories.

Dream Collaborations and Inspirations

In addition to reflecting on his work with Troye Sivan, Lauv also shared insights about the artists who inspire him and those he hopes to collaborate with in the future.

At the top of his wish list is Chris Martin of Coldplay, a band Lauv has admired for years. He praised Martin’s ability to craft sad songs that still carry uplifting energy, citing tracks like “Hurts Like Heaven” as examples of this emotional balance.

Lauv also expressed interest in working with Cashmere Cat, a producer known for his experimental soundscapes and collaborations with major pop and hip-hop artists.

Why “I’m So Tired” Resonated With Fans

The universal appeal of “I’m So Tired” lies in its honesty. Everyone has experienced the feeling of being emotionally drained by love songs after a difficult breakup. By transforming this sentiment into a catchy, danceable track, Lauv and Troye Sivan captured the paradox of heartbreak—pain that makes people want to sing along.

This duality gave the song staying power. It wasn’t just sad, and it wasn’t just fun—it was both, and that complexity mirrored real human emotions.

Lauv and Troye Sivan’s Legacy as Collaborators

The partnership between Lauv and Troye Sivan proved that authentic storytelling and shared vulnerability can lead to powerful music. “I’m So Tired” didn’t just add another hit to their catalogs—it also showcased their ability to evolve and experiment in ways that challenge expectations.

For Lauv, it was a step toward greater creative freedom. For Troye, it was another reminder of his versatility as both a performer and a writer. Together, they created a track that continues to resonate years after its release.

Conclusion: The Backyard Magic Behind a Global Hit

At its core, the story of “I’m So Tired” is a reminder that great songs often come from the most unexpected places—a quiet backyard conversation, a shared laugh, and the courage to show someone a vulnerable idea.

What began as a casual hang between Lauv and Troye Sivan turned into one of the most-streamed pop singles of 2019. It marked a turning point in Lauv’s career, gave fans a fresh look at his artistry, and reinforced Troye’s reputation as a creative force.

As Lauv looks ahead to a future filled with diverse themes and dream collaborations, “I’m So Tired” stands as proof that authenticity, friendship, and a willingness to take risks are the true keys to lasting success in music.