“Faded” by Zhu
Daniel Santos by Amanda London· Published · Updated
The term faded is one with various colloquial applications. But within the context of this song, it is seemingly meant to allude to the notion of the vocalist being high. But more to the point, being in this state is giving him the strong urge to be with the addressee.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })(); You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Zhu's Faded at Lyrics.org.And the logical presumption would be something like said addressee is his romantic interest, i.e. Zhu’s girlfriend. As such, his stated desire to ‘take her downtown’ can be generally understood as an allusion to waiting to have sex. Such is actually the thesis sentiment of this piece, i.e. the vocalist being “faded” and subsequently obsessed, if you will, with hooking up with the addressee.
However, wanting to take someone “downtown” is an ambiguous enough statement, so for all we know Zhu may be talking about taking homegirl out to dinner or something like that. Though again, him implying sex would be the more logical conclusion.
Release Date of “Faded”
Chinese-American producer and electronic singer, Zhu is the artist behind the recording of “Faded”. This deep house tune was released, in 2014, as the only official single from his maiden EP “The Nightday”.
The song, which is considered as one of Zhu’s most notable works, received significant airplay internationally. It peaked at #3 in the UK. It also charted in the top 10 in the following countries:
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- Bulgaria – 2
- Poland – 3
- Australia – 3
- Hungary – 4
Awards and Accolades
The song’s impressive performance in Australia earned it a 2x Platinum certification by the ARIA. It has also been certified Gold in the UK and Germany.
“Faded” has enjoyed many accolades including grabbing a nomination for “Best Dance Recording” at the Grammys. The track lost the award to “Rather Be“, a song performed by British electronic group, Clean Bandit alongside English singer Jess Glynne. The following songs were also shortlisted for the award:
Writing Credits for “Faded”
“Faded” was authored and produced by Zhu himself.
Notable Covers
In 2019, a cover version of “Faded” was released by Australian DJ duo, Nervo together with Israeli dance music DJ Skazi. Other versions of the track have been recorded by the following artists:
- Vowed (in 2020)
- Padé (in 2021)
The “Nightday” EP
“The Nightday,” was made public in April 2014 by Columbia records in conjunction with Mind of a Genius. “Faded” is the second of six tracks on this project.
