Painkiller (Ruel song)

"Painkiller" is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Ruel, released on January 31, 2019, as the lead single from his second extended play, Free Time (2019).

The song was written by Ruel, Sarah Aarons, and Dann Hume. Lyrically, "Painkiller" explores the complexities of a relationship where the protagonist desires to be the emotional support for their partner, someone who can alleviate their pain. Musically, it features a contemporary pop sound with elements of R&B and electronic influences.

Upon release, "Painkiller" received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Ruel's vocal performance and the song's mature and relatable themes. Commercially, the song achieved moderate success in Australia, reaching a peak position on the ARIA charts.

The accompanying music video for "Painkiller" was directed by Grey Ghost and further explores the song's themes through visual storytelling. The video depicts various scenarios illustrating the desire to be someone's source of comfort and healing.

"Painkiller" is considered one of Ruel's signature songs and is frequently performed during his live concerts. It has also garnered significant streams and downloads on various digital platforms, contributing to Ruel's growing popularity in the music industry.