Nothing hits quite like one of mgk’s acoustic, stripped-down “sad” songs. Even the cover songs he’s done lately, which include “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Empty Out Your Pockets” by the late Juice WRLD, and more, were likely chosen with extreme care. Everything he does is typically very deliberate, offering a further intimate glimpse into his soul.
mgk’s single, “cliché,” which marks his first single from his forthcoming album, Lost Americana, was released at the end of May and was met with global success. This was mgk’s dancing debut and inspired millions of fans to learn the dance and share it on social media. He recently shared the following video on Instagram with the caption, “AND THEY SAID “DONT DANCE” 🤷🏼♂️ cliché song of the summer !! 🙏🏼”
SOURCE: INSTAGRAM
And then, last week, we were treated to "cliché (sad version)." This version offers a raw reimagining of the original, stripped back to just vocals and a piano. mgk's voice aches of vulnerability and heartbreak, and the piano melody is almost haunting. Where the original had layers, this version leaves space. The silence between notes feels just as powerful as the melody itself.
Much of the lyricism feels especially powerful in the sad version. It’s almost as if the lines land heavier, and it makes the track sound almost like a confession.
Honestly, it’s the repetition of “Tell me, would you wait for me…?“ around 1:58, followed by a gorgeous piano ostinato, that steals the show. In the minimalism, it leaves nothing to hide behind.
“cliché (sad version)” isn’t here to reinvent anything, but it doesn't need to. The sad version thrives on its simplicity and raw emotion, offering solace in the most authentic way. And in that simplicity, it finds something honest, something real.
