“Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” is a song by Lil Nas X. First previewed in a Super Bowl LV commercial in February 2021, the song was released on March 26, 2021, with an extended version released three days later, on March 29. Written by Lil Nas X along with its producers, Take a Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Roy Lenzo.
On the day of the single’s release, Lil Nas X shared an open letter to his 14-year-old self on Twitter, reflecting on his choice to come out at an early age and his nervousness about the song. However, he ultimately says it “will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist” and expressed his desire to let people be who they are.
The song, like many of Lil Nas X’ past projects, features queer themes. While renting out an Airbnb at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to work on his debut album, Lil Nas X revealed that it was written about a man he met in mid-2020, who was partying and taking drugs while in quarantine. In its lyrics, Lil Nas X tells his lover he no longer wants to be on the down-low. The song lyrically intended to help break the stigma around references to gay sexual practices in music.
This song is the title track from the upcoming album Montero, which is expected for release in mid-2021. The controversial song is currently #1 in the United States across pop, urban and rap music charts.
Watch the music video here.
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