Gracie Abrams has opened up about the creative process behind her new song 'Imaginary Friend', which she co-wrote with her boyfriend, actor Paul Mescal. The track is part of her third studio album 'Daughter from Hell', released in 2026.
How 'Imaginary Friend' Came Together
In an interview with The New York Times' Popcast, Abrams described the collaboration as a natural and playful experience. 'That was so fun to write together. That wasn't some groundbreaking event for us. We have a very creative home with friends,' she said. She added: 'It's such a simple short song and it was really just us f---ing around. Your classic process.'
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
'Imaginary Friend' explores the feeling of imagining a lover's presence even when they are not there. The opening verse sets the tone: 'I felt you in the morning in the kitchen / And it spooked me 'cause you weren't there / Thought I heard you, so I stopped and really listened.' The chorus captures the frustration of longing, with lines like 'I talk to you, you don't talk back / 'Cause you're a figment of my imagination / Man, I fucking hate it.'
Abrams has not confirmed whether the song is about a specific ex or a fictional scenario, leaving the interpretation open to listeners.
Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal's Relationship
The couple has been publicly dating since 2024. When asked about sharing her personal life through music, Abrams told Popcast: 'If you know how happy your experience was making something or how much you learned about yourself or your partner, no amount of hate or trolling could take that away.'
Full Lyrics of 'Imaginary Friend'
VERSE 1
I felt you in the morning in the kitchen
And it spooked me 'cause you weren't there
Thought I heard you, so I stopped and really listened
You said 'Something, something, something,' wasn't fair
CHORUS
So I stop and fill the gaps, I'm sorry, but I have to ask
If you could do me just a little favor? I'll return it later
Promise not to laugh, I talk to you, you don't talk back
'Cause you're a figment of my imagination
Man, I fucking hate it
POST-CHORUS
Oh-oh (Oh)
Oh, I hate it
Oh-oh, oh
(Mm)
VERSE 2
You don't know even half of what you're missing
But I'm cool now if you even care
Do you remember all the shit I broke? Well, I fixed it
Kick your shoes off, go and leave 'em by the stairs, but you don't
CHORUS
So I stop and fill the gaps, I'm sorry, but I have to ask
If you could do me just a little favor, tell me I'm no failure?
I promise not to laugh, I've got it wrong, let's run it back
Don't be a figment of my imagination, but you are, and I fucking hate it
BRIDGE
Oh, oh
Is it me, or is it so hot?
Oh, oh
Is it time to take our clothes off?
Oh, oh
And is it wrong I'm thinking this thought?
Oh, oh
OUTRO
Well, I felt you in the morning in the kitchen
But you were unaware
More on Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal
Fans continue to follow the couple's relationship timeline, and Abrams has frequently drawn from personal experiences in her songwriting. Her album 'Daughter from Hell' also includes other tracks co-written with collaborators like Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner.
