By shahbazad543@gmail.com 
Miley Cyrus has once again captivated audiences with the release of Prelude, the first song and visual from her highly anticipated ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, set to drop on May 30, 2025. With hauntingly poetic lyrics and a cinematic visual narrative, Prelude offers a deeply introspective look at themes of isolation, perception, and the longing to be truly seen.
In this blog, we dive into the meaning behind Prelude, its lyrics, the artistic direction of its music video, and what fans can expect from Something Beautiful.
Prelude Song Lyrics
[Verse]
Like when following an image from a train
Your eyes can’t keep the passing landscapes
From being swallowed into endless distance
Like when holding a fistful of ashes
Your hands can’t save the things that have already been dissolved into air
Like when facing the sun through a window
Your skin feels warmth
But it can’t be in the world that its warmth has made alive
Like walking alone through a lucid dream
Like saying your name aloud in an empty room
Like witnessing my body standing in a mirror
Aching to be seen, aching to become real
But the beauty one finds alone
Is a prayer that longs to be shared
The Meaning Behind Prelude
Miley Cyrus uses Prelude as a lyrical canvas to explore the delicate tension between solitude and connection. The song’s poetic and introspective lyrics describe fleeting moments where one feels present yet distant—watching the world move by like a train passing through endless landscapes.
The metaphors in the song reflect a sense of longing:
- “Like when holding a fistful of ashes” – Represents trying to hold onto things that have already slipped away.
- “Like witnessing my body standing in a mirror” – Suggests the feeling of detachment from oneself and the yearning to be acknowledged.
The song’s dreamlike quality makes it a deeply personal and immersive experience, setting the stage for the overarching themes of Something Beautiful.
Prelude’s Visual Aesthetic
The music video for Prelude is just as stunning as the song itself. Miley Cyrus is seen wearing archival 1997 Thierry Mugler couture, captured by renowned photographer Glen Luchford.
With cinematography helmed by Benoît Debie, the film blends surreal, high-fashion imagery with introspective storytelling, perfectly complementing the song’s ethereal quality. The video’s moody lighting and artful compositions create a dreamlike state that mirrors the themes of the lyrics.
Music and Production Credits
Production Team:
- Directed by: Miley Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, Brendan Walter
- Produced by: Miley Cyrus, Panos Cosmatos, Nick Spicer, Nate Bolotin, Aram Tertzakian
- Executive Producers: Adam Folk, Ron Perry, Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener, Michael Rapino, Brad Wavra, Ryan Kroft
- Associate Producer: Marcela Victoria
- Director of Photography: Benoît Debie
- Production Designer: David Meyer
- Choreography by: Stephen Galloway
- Costume Design: Bradley Kenneth
- Edited by: Brendan Walter
Music Production:
- Produced by: Miley Cyrus, Shawn Everett, Michael Pollack, Jonathan Rado, and Maxx Morando
- Engineered by: Shawn Everett, Ian Gold, and Pièce Eatah at The Village
- Assistant Engineer: JC LeResche
- Mixed & Mastered by: Shawn Everett
- Mix Assistant: Ian Gold
Where to Listen to Prelude
Prelude is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. As the first single from Something Beautiful, it sets the tone for what promises to be a deeply artistic and personal album from Miley Cyrus.
Be sure to stream the song, watch the official music video, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. What does Prelude mean to you?
Final Thoughts
Miley Cyrus continues to push creative boundaries with Prelude, delivering a thought-provoking and cinematic experience. With Something Beautiful on the horizon, fans eagerly await the next chapter in her evolving artistry.
What are your thoughts on Prelude? Share your interpretations and excitement for the album below!