Jessica Simpson's new song Fade sparks speculation about Eric Johnson split: 'Watching someone slip away in real time'

Time of India

5 days ago

The emotionally charged single 'Fade,' which was released on July 22, 2025, marks the singer and entrepreneur Jessica Simpson's triumphant musical comeback. The song, which she co-wrote with Trent Dabbs and Teresa LaBarbera, is generally interpreted as a critique of her recent divorce from husband Eric Johnson, with whom she has three children.
Lyrics that hint at heartbreak and emotional detachment
The song opens with lines that many fans interpret as a direct reference to Simpson's marital breakdown: 'You can always say you love me, That doesn't mean that I feel loved, There's a green light in the distance, And all your words become too much.'
In the chorus, Simpson asserts her independence and emotional closure: 'You can just wait on me, I won't be around, Watching you fade on me, Your words mean nothing now.'
Later verses intensify the emotional tone, with lyrics like: 'I have way too good a memory, I have no more heart to break, You're as empty as your promise, Go sleep alone in the bed you made.'
Fans have taken to social media to praise the track's vulnerability, with many calling it a 'healing anthem' and a 'bold emotional release.'
Simpson says the song came from a 'heavy, emotional moment'
Simpson disclosed in a press release that 'Fade' was written during a very painful and intimate period of his life. She said she arrived at the studio with tears still on her cheeks and described the song as a 'prayer' born from heartbreak.
A breakup months in the making
Simpson and Johnson, a former NFL player, began dating in 2010 and married in 2014.
They share three children: Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie. In January 2025, Simpson clarified their separation and stated, We have been living apart and navigating a painful situation. High on the list was keeping their children first, and she asked that privacy be granted to the family as transition into this change began.
Sources close to the couple had hinted News 18 that there was already trouble as far back as the latter part of 2024 with one insider saying Simpson was 'heartbroken' and 'emotionally exhausted'.
While neither has filed for divorce yet, reports suggest they are co-parenting amicably and remain in regular contact for the sake of their children.
A musical comeback with personal stakes
Fade is the lead single from Simpson's upcoming EP 'Nashville Canyon,' 'Pt. 2,' set to release on September 4, 2025. The first volume dropped in March, shortly after the separation announcement. Simpson has described her new music as 'personal,' and fans are anticipating more tracks that reflect her emotional journey.
She previously hinted at betrayal in her fiery track Leave, released in April, which included lyrics like: 'Unholy matrimony, Did you do to her what you did to me?'
Life after Eric: dating, healing, and moving forward
Simpson has described herself as a 'very single lady' and admitted that dating again has been difficult. She said she's not ready for apps and would prefer to be set up by a friend. She told Daily Mail, adding that she's focused on healing and rediscovering herself.
Despite the emotional upheaval, Simpson has been praised for her vulnerability and strength, with 'Fade' marking a new chapter in both her personal and artistic life.