Hilary Duff has released her new song "Roommates," marking her second single from the upcoming album Luck…or Something. The track, which debuted on January 16, delves into the complexities of long-term relationships and the longing for lost intimacy.
Key Takeaways
- Hilary Duff's new single "Roommates" is out, addressing relationship intimacy.
- It is the second track from her upcoming album, Luck…or Something.
- Duff co-wrote the song with Brian Phillips and her husband, Matthew Koma.
- The song and video explore the desire to rekindle passion in a relationship.
- This release follows her lead single "Mature" from two months prior.
Exploring Relationship Dynamics in 'Roommates'
The new single, "Roommates," offers a raw look into the challenges of maintaining a romantic spark amidst daily life. Duff, 38, described the song as reflecting when "life is life-ing, babe." She explained it captures the "ache for a wilder, freer time" before routines like carpools, budget discussions, and grocery runs take over. It also touches on insecurities that can creep into a relationship.
Duff co-wrote "Roommates" with Brian Phillips and her husband, Matthew Koma. The lyrics reveal a desire to reconnect with a partner, to find the rhythm and person that once fueled the relationship. The song highlights the quiet resentment that can build when physical affection fades and the longing for simple fixes to complex emotional issues.
Songwriting Insight
Hilary Duff collaborated with her husband, Matthew Koma, on "Roommates." Koma is a musician and producer, which deepens the personal connection to the song's themes.
Lyrical Honesty and Vulnerability
The lyrics of "Roommates" are remarkably candid. Duff sings about the difficulty of even mentioning these issues to her partner without causing "ego trauma." She acknowledges her attempts to give hints, emphasizing her need for physical affection. The song expresses a clear wish to avoid quietly resenting her partner, seeking an "easy fix" instead.
The track’s chorus takes listeners back to the early, passionate days of a relationship. Duff reminisces about moments like her partner saying "goddamn" and intimate encounters in unexpected places, such as the "back of a dive bar." She yearns for the "highlights, ten out of ten," and the simple butterflies from holding hands.
"I can barely mention it without causing some ego trauma / But I know you’re sensing how I’m tryna give you hints," Hilary sings. "Physical affection goes a long way with me, I don’t wanna / Quietly resent you, I just want the easy fix."
The Visual Story of the Music Video
The accompanying music video for "Roommates" visually reinforces the song's themes. It shows Duff actively pursuing her partner, often as rain begins to fall, symbolizing emotional turmoil. This visual chase underscores her desperate attempt to revive the excitement. Ultimately, the video depicts her decision to move on from the relationship, suggesting that finding that lost spark might require a new path.
Duff's Return to Music
Hilary Duff's return to music comes after a decade-long hiatus. Her husband, Matthew Koma, played a significant role in encouraging her to record new material. She stated that living with him and reaching 38 years old helped her "fill in the blanks" and find her voice again.
Following Up 'Mature' and Album Anticipation
"Roommates" arrives approximately two months after Duff released "Mature," the lead single from Luck…or Something. "Mature" was a pop-synth track that generated considerable buzz. Fans speculated the song might reflect on her past relationship with Joel Madden, particularly their nine-year age difference.
Matthew Koma playfully offered his own theory about the inspiration for "Mature." In a joint Apple Music 1 interview with Duff in December, he joked that the song could be about Bernie Sanders, an 84-year-old politician. Koma stated he felt "less threatened" by Sanders than other potential muses fans had suggested. While neither Duff nor Koma confirmed the true inspiration, Koma added, "I have a few of my own" theories.
Family Life and Musical Inspiration
Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma share three children: Banks (10), Mae (4), and Townes (20 months). Duff also has a 13-year-old son, Luca, from her previous marriage to Mike Comrie. Her family life often influences her songwriting, providing rich material for her music.
Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma's Journey
Duff and Koma's relationship has evolved over several years. They first confirmed their romance in January 2017, making a red carpet appearance at an Entertainment Weekly pre-SAG Awards party. However, their busy schedules led to a split in March 2017.
By October 2017, they had reconciled, with Koma attending Duff's 30th birthday party. Duff later shared on The Talk in December 2017 that this was their third time dating, famously stating, "Timing is such a big deal… third time's a charm!"
- June 2018: The couple announced they were expecting a baby girl.
- October 2018: Daughter Banks Violet Bair was born. Duff shared online, "This little bit has fully stolen our hearts! She joined our world at home on Thursday afternoon and is absolute magic."
- December 2019: Koma proposed, and the couple married in a ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
- March 2021: They welcomed their second daughter together, Mae James Bair.
Koma often expresses his admiration for Duff. On their first wedding anniversary, he shared a heartfelt Instagram post praising her resilience during the pandemic, writing, "I'm so in awe of your badassery." Their personal journey and strong bond clearly contribute to the emotional depth found in Duff's new music.