Although he’s recently said in interviews that it’s not his job to be a role model – which we totally respect – the latest single is being warmly received as a testament to resilience.

Sun Goes Down is the single, and the video brings to life the lyrics written by Lil Nas X.

It may not be his job to be a role model, but he’s doing a pretty good job of leading the way for us all.

I wanna run away
Don’t wanna lie, I don’t want a life
Send me a gun
And I’ll see the sun

I’d rather run away
Don’t wanna lie, I don’t want a life
Send me a gun
And I’ll see the sun

You need an instant ease
From the life where you got plenty
Of every hurt and heartbreak
You just take it all to the face

I know that you want to cry
But it’s much more to life than dying
Over your past mistakes
And people who threw dirt on your name

Since ten, I been feeling lonely
Had friends but they was picking on me
Always thinking why my lips so big?
Was I too dark? Can they sense my fears?

These gay thoughts would always haunt me
I prayed God would take it from me
It’s hard for you when you’re fighting
And nobody knows it when you’re silent

I’d be by the phone
Stanning Nicki morning into dawn
Only place I felt like I belonged
Strangers make you feel so loved, you know?

And I’m happy by the way
That I made that jump, that leap of faith
I’m happy that it all worked out for me
Imma make my fans so proud of me

I wanna run away
Don’t wanna lie, I don’t want a life
Send me a gun
And I’ll see the sun

I’d rather run away
Don’t wanna lie, I don’t want a life
Send me a gun
And I’ll see the sun

You need an instant ease
From the life where you got plenty
Of every hurt and heartbreak
You just take it all to the face

I know that you want to cry
But it’s much more to life than dying
Over your past mistakes
And people who throw dirt on your name

Opinion: Lil Nas X is giving us all a masterclass in queer power

It’s hard to think of a performing artist having more cultural impact than Lil Nas X is giving us right now.

It obviously helps to build your confidence to have a massive hit under your belt – his breakout track, Old Town Road, is the most streamed song ever. But Lil Nas X is not resting on his laurels.

Having made a point of letting the world know that he’s comfortable talking about his sexuality, Lil Nas X is busy – making music on his terms, owning every aspect of his public persona, and using his social media to share his personality and his point of view.

Which brings us to Montero – his latest release.

It’s a total bop. There’s also some stand-out lyrics – including the killer line: “I wanna fuck the ones I envy.”

The video – directed by Tanu Muino and Lil Nas X – leans heavily into religious iconography. From the Garden of Eden, to Judgement Day, to the gates of Heaven, before Lil Nas X slides down a stripper pole to Hell where he gives Satan a lap-dance.

If you were looking for a queer video to go with a track about anonymous hook-ups on the down-low, then this is it. But more than that, it’s seems perfectly designed to push the “culture war” buttons of religious conservatives – what better way to drive publicity and get everyone talking?

Perhaps what’s most impressive about how Lil Nas X is navigating this stage of his career is the complete zero-fuckery of it all.

He’s making the music he wants. He’s making the videos he wants. He’s being as gay as he wants.

He’s also not hiding behind some mysterious public persona or slick PR machine.

Lil Nas X is 21 years old. He’s got a deep understanding of the power of social media and how to connect with his audience.

It’s worth just spending a few moments on his Twitter to appreciate that he’s out there promoting his track, defending his creative choices, clapping back at negative responses, engaging with his fans, and sharing his excitement as the streams and likes and plays quickly rack up.

The man’s a gay genius.

From what we see, it seems pretty clear that Lil Nas X is a young guy unleashing his queer power.

It’s impressive and inspiring, and should give us all hope for the future.

The style

Lil Nas X is an artist who turns any red carpet experience into an event.

One of his most recent outings was the Billboard Music Awards – where he picked up four trophies.

Serving a nod to Prince, Lil Nas X looked gorgeous in a Gucci snakeskin-print green suit with pussy-bow shirt.

Style icon? This is what that looks like.

The coming out story

At the peak of his Old Town Road fame, Lil Nas X came out in one of the most nonchalant ways possible.

“Deadass thought I made it obvious…” he Tweeted, along with an image of the song’s artwork – a rainbow-coloured skyscraper.

“It was something I was considering just never doing ever, just taking to the grave or something, but I don’t want to live my entire life not doing what I want to do…” explained Lil Nas X, subsequently explaining in media interviews why he decided to publicly discuss his sexuality as a gay man. “I’m also opening doors for more people.”

Old Town Road

Holiday

Favourite line in this: “I might bottom on the low, but I top shit.”

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