“Nothing Without You” differs from other Starboy songs—such as “Rockin'” and “Party Monster”—in that Abel admits to loving this girl, and wanting to stay together with her. Abel credits his lover for making him who he is today, whether that be his fame, his character or even his music.
The appearance of “Nothing Without You” on Starboy is well timed; just over a week before the release rumours began to circulate about Bella Hadid and Abel splitting up.
Lyrics of Nothing Without You
I realized, I belong to you
I feel the darkness, went away from you
Hey, don't stop your lovin', walk out on me
Don't stop for nothin', you're what I bleed
I learned to love you, the way you need
'Cause I know what's pain, this is not the same
I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin') hey
I was too busy tryna find you with someone else
The one I couldn't stand to be with was myself
'Cause I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
Pick up your phone, I got a question, oh
If I die tonight, would you regret it? Woah-woah
Don't stop your lovin', it's all I have
'Cause I can't function, no I won't last
I swear I'll love you just like the past
'Cause I know what's pain, this is not the same
I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin') oh
I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
I was too busy tryna find you with someone else
The one I couldn't stand to be with was myself
'Cause I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
When I feel the love, girl I hesitate
It's what I'm guilty of, oh yeah (Oh yeah, oh yeah)
I can't get enough, I'm insane
Without your touch, touch
Touch (I'll be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin')
(Nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you)