The Kid LAROI Shares His Honest Thoughts on Tate McRae’s Heartbreak in Before I Forget: A Look at His Most Heartfelt Lyrics

The Kid LAROI and Tate McRae in New York City in December 2024.
Credit :

David X Prutting/BFA.com/Shutterstock

Key Details

• The Kid LAROI’s third studio album, Before I Forget, is now available
• The Australian rapper reflects candidly on a breakup in the album
• The “Stay” artist was previously linked to Tate McRae

The Kid LAROI has bared his soul in his latest work.

His third studio album, Before I Forget, released on January 9, showcases the 22-year-old Australian rapper’s vulnerable approach to songwriting, detailing emotional experiences following a breakup.

Previously linked to Tate McRae, the artist had already offered fans insights into this new musical chapter through the tracks “A Cold Play,” “A Perfect World,” and “Back When You Were Mine.” The album delves deeper into his feelings following their split in July.

Dating rumors between the Canadian pop star and The Kid LAROI first emerged in early 2024, with the rapper seemingly confirming their breakup in July through multiple posts on X.

The Kid LAROI’s Before I Forget.

Courtesy Columbia Records

In November, The Kid LAROI revealed the album cover on Instagram, providing insights into his creative process.

“I made this album in the last four months. I had a whole other album that was completed but I scrapped it. Started again from scratch with the exception of one song. It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever made,” he shared. “It’s also the most personal thing I’ve ever created. Sorry it’s taken a while. I hope that it resonates with you in some way because it means a lot to me. I love you and thank you for your support,” he added.

Tate McRae and The Kid LAROI at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills in March 2025.

Kevin Mazur/VF25/WireImage for Vanity Fair

In the album’s opening track, “Me + You,” The Kid LAROI reflects on a relationship that has deteriorated, hinting at external factors that contributed to its decline.

“Gave you every part of me, and, girl, I know you knew that / I gave you f—in’ everything, and you still chose to choose them / It’s crazy ‘cause if it was up to me, I wouldn’t choose it,” he expresses in the song.

“July” captures the night of their breakup, with lyrics recalling, “You were the one that chose to walk out the door / I chose not to be sure,” conveying the pain of lost love.

Throughout tracks like “Private,” The Kid LAROI reflects on the pressures his relationship faced, contemplating, “Girl did we move way too fast? / Or is it because we let everyone in on what we had?” He openly admits understanding her decision to leave.

As the album progresses, he grapples with the feelings of missing his former partner. On “Come Down,” he acknowledges wanting to connect only when under the influence, while “Rather Be” conveys deep nostalgia for their friendship.

A marked shift occurs in “Never Came Back,” where he reaches a sense of acceptance. “What’s done is done, will never be reversed,” he sings, capturing a sense of peace.

However, “Thank God” reveals lingering struggles with moving on, showcasing a mix of blame and heartbreak. “If you ever question or happen to wonder / If I found another, I could never love her / The way I loved you,” he confesses.

By the time listeners reach “Maybe I’m Wrong,” The Kid LAROI reconsiders his own role in the breakup, demonstrating growth while acknowledging the end of the relationship.

In the penultimate track, “Her Interlude,” he revisits the pain of loss, lamenting the changes that have occurred: “I don’t wanna hear anything that you say / I just wanna know who’s taking my place.”

As he expresses, “You’re gone, but the shape of you is still carved in my heart,” it becomes clear that the emotional journey is far from over.

Before I Forget is available now.