Cruel World (song)

After her debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black (2023), Humberstone returned to musical releases in 2025 with a contribution to the soundtrack for The Buccaneers, the song "Miss You to Death".^[1] Months later, she confirmed that a "new world" was beginning, hinting towards the start of a new album cycle.^[2] She thanked fans on social media for "waiting for [her] to get it right".^[3] "Die Happy" then was released on 5 November 2025, with an album announcement expected to follow.^[4] Humberstone announced the album, Cruel World, on 23 January 2026, as well as releasing "To Love Somebody" as its second single.^[5] "Cruel World" was then released as the third single from the album on 13 March 2026.^[6][7] It was released alongside an accompanying visualiser inspired by Victorian theatre, directed by Silken Weinberg.^[8]

Humberstone co-wrote "Cruel World" with long-term collaborators Rob Milton and Benjamin Francis Leftwich.^[9] The lyrical content explores Humberstone in a long-distance relationship, with her perception of the world distorted due to not having her partner nearby and having "no fun in going out solo".^[10] The lyrics also dissect the dichotomy of finding euphoria and deep love in their relationship, despite the distance.^[11] Humberstone billed it her favourite song that she had written to date.^[12]

Clash praised "Cruel World", complimenting Humberstone's "diaristic flourish" and "neat melodic twists and turns".^[13] Euphoria also praised Humberstone's songwriting and felt that she had "beautifully portrayed" the pain of longing for someone.^[9]

Credits adapted from Spotify.^[14]