"Die With a Smile" is a song recorded by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. It was released on August 16th, 2024 through Streamline and Interscope Records.
The song was written by Bruno, Gaga, Dernst “D'Mile” Emile II, Andrew Watt and James Fauntleroy while production was handled by the former four. It appears on Gaga's seventh studio album, MAYHEM, as the fourteenth track.
Background
Bruno Mars had first begun writing “Smile” three years earlier, but the early draft he and James Fauntleroy worked on was quickly abandoned and pushed into the demo pile, seemingly destined to be forgotten. That is, until they caught wind that Lady Gaga was working on “Joker: Folie à Deux” film, and Mars thought the idea could be a good pitch for either that project or Gaga’s accompanying “Harlequin” album.
Already connected through producer Andrew Watt, Mars invited Gaga to his Malibu after a late-night session with Watt in early 2024. When she arrived with Michael and Andrew, Mars played her the rough version of “Smile,” and she immediately wanted to work on it. Instead of just listening to a demo, Gaga sat at the piano, learned the chords, wrote them down, and began performing the song with Mars.
The session quickly became highly collaborative, with both artists trading booth time and writing the second verse within hours. The atmosphere felt energetic and band-like, reminiscent of classic, deeply creative sessions.
“She was like, ‘Let’s go to the piano,'” says Fauntleroy. “I knew she could play the piano, but watching her actually sit down like a musician and learn the chords, so much so that she actually asked for a pen and paper and wrote the chords down… This is unheard of. She learned the fucking song, dude, right there. And they were performing, singing it together. And that’s when I should have known it was going to be something special.”
The vibe in the room was collaborative and fast-paced, to the point that the second verse was written in a few hours. “It was like some Quincy-Michael shit,” recalls Watt, “with Bruno jumping in the booth, then her jumping in the booth and going back and forth. There was a point where we were all on guitars and she was on the piano. It was like being in Fleetwood Mac or something.”
From there, Watt and Gaga took what they had worked on and recut her parts of the song, which D’Mile said he fine-tuned with Watt over the next few weeks.
On August 15th, 2024, after a couple of days of rumors and teasing a potential collaboration, Mars and Lady Gaga confirmed the release of their duet, "Die With A Smile".
In December 2024, Gaga confirmed in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that "Die With a Smile" will be included on the tracklist of her album MAYHEM. Although the song had been previously announced as a preview while fans awaited LG7, it was ultimately confirmed that it would indeed be part of the album.
Release
Digital release
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download, streaming Released: August 16, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" | 4:11 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download, streaming Released: October 29, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" | 4:11 |
| 2. | "Die With A Smile" (Instrumental) | 4:11 |
| 3. | "Die With A Smile" (Music video) | 4:12 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download, streaming Released: October 29, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (Live in Las Vegas) | 4:40 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download, streaming Released: October 30, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (Acoustic) | 4:11 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download, streaming Released: November ??, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" | 4:11 |
| 2. | "Die With A Smile" (Live in Las Vegas) | 4:40 |
| 3. | "Die With A Smile" (Acoustic) | 4:11 |
| 4. | "Die With A Smile" (Instrumental) | 4:11 |
| 5. | "Die With A Smile" (Music video) | 4:12 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download Released: November 20, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (Sped Up) | 3:48 |
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Digital download Released: November 20, 2024 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (Instrumental Acoustic) | 4:11 |
Physical release
CD
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: Jewel case Released: August 16, 2024 Barcode: 0602475081173 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (with Bruno Mars) | 4:11 |
Vinyl
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Label: Interscope, Streamline Format: 7" LP Released: October 4, 2024 Barcode: 0602475212003 Photography: John Esparza Design: John Esparza |
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| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die With A Smile" (with Bruno Mars) | 4:11 |
| 2. | "Die With A Smile" (Instrumental) | 4:11 |
Release history
| Country | Date | Version(s) | Format | Label | Catalog # | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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August 16, 2024 | Main | Digital download • streaming | Interscope Streamline |
N/A | |
  
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CD single | 0602475081173 | ||||
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Contemporary hit radio | N/A | ||||
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Radio airplay | |||||
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August 19, 2024 | Adult contemporary radio hot Adult contemporary radio |
N/A | |||
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August 23, 2024 | CD single | 0602475081173 | |||
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August 27, 2024 | |||||
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October 25, 2024 | Main & Instrumental | 7" Vinyl | 0602475212003 | ||
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October 29, 2024 | Main + Instrumental + Video | Digital download, streaming | N/A | ||
| Live | ||||||
| October 30, 2024 | Acoustic | |||||
| November ??, 2024 | Bundle | |||||
| November 20, 2024 | Sped Up | Digital download | ||||
| Instrumental Acoustic | ||||||
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November 22, 2024 | Main & Instrumental | 7" Vinyl | 0602475212003 | ||
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November 29, 2024 | |||||
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December 6, 2024 | |||||
Performances
 Dates
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 Location
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 City
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|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2024 | Intuit Dome | Inglewood, CA |
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| August 16, 2024 | |||
| August 27, 2024 | Dolby Live | Las Vegas, NV | |
| September 30, 2024 | The Belasco: Harlequin Secret Show | Los Angeles, CA | |
| April 11, 2025 | Coachella: MAYHEM in the Desert | Indio, CA | |
| April 18, 2025 | |||
| April 26, 2025 | Estadio GNP Seguros: ¡Viva La MAYHEM! | Mexico City | 
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| April 27, 2025 | |||
| May 3, 2025 | Todo Mundo no Rio: MAYHEM Na Praia | Rio de Janeiro | 
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| May 18, 2025 | Singapore National Stadium: MAYHEM Singapura | Kallang | 
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| May 19, 2025 | |||
| May 21, 2025 | |||
| May 24, 2025 |
| Tour | Dates
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Performances |
|---|---|---|
| The MAYHEM Ball | TBD | TBD |
| Total of performances | TBD |
Lyrics
[Intro: Lady Gaga]
(Ooh, ooh)
[Verse 1: Bruno Mars]
I, I just woke up from a dream
But you and I had to say goodbye
And I don't know what it all means
But since I survived, I realized
[Pre-Chorus: Bruno Mars]
Wherever you go, that's where I'll follow
Nobody's promised tomorrow
So I'ma love you every night like it's the last night
Like it's the last night
[Chorus: Bruno Mars]
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
If the party was over
And our time on Earth was through
I'd wanna hold you just for a while
And die with a smile
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
[Post-Chorus: Lady Gaga]
(Ooh, ooh)
[Verse 2: Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars]
Ooh, lost, lost in the words that we scream
I don't even wanna do this anymore
'Cause you already know what you mean to me
And our love's the only one worth fighting for
[Pre-Chorus: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars]
Wherever you go, that's where I'll follow
Nobody's promised tomorrow
So I'ma love you every night like it's the last night
Like it's the last night
[Chorus: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga]
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
If the party was over
And our time on Earth was through
I'd wanna hold you just for a while
And die with a smile
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
[Bridge: Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga & Both]
Right next to you
Next to you
Right next to you
Oh-oh
[Chorus: Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Bruno Mars]
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
If the party was over
And our time on Earth was through
I'd wanna hold you just for a while
And die with a smile
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
If the world was ending
I'd wanna be next to you
[Outro: Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars]
(Ooh, ooh)
I'd wanna be next to you
Music video
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- Directors: Bruno Mars & Daniel Ramos
- Producer: @sullivanthejeremy
- Management: Bobby Campbell, Ky Cabot
- Interscope: @littlemeeshmeesh, @ChelseaDodson
- Assistants: Lindsay Shane, Stacey Quinn
- Executive Producers: @missymg, @isaacrice76, @producedbydre
- Controller: @jorod1120
- Prod Sup: @natalievinla
- Asst Prod Sup: @beta_01
- 1st AD: @makingmovesmorales
- 2nd AD: @damon_limbrick
- 2nd 2nd AD: Jane Kim
- Director of Photography: Santiago Gonzalez III
- CAM OP: @connorobrien310
- 1st AC: Sean Scott Frisoli, @thatonedudeq
- 2nd AC: @joe_ashi, @ramonedeshawn_
- Crane OP: Bogdan Iofciulescu
- Crane Tech: Jeff Curtis
- Crane Head Tech: @foss19er
- Steadicam OP: @ccunningcam
- DIT: @nomad_jack
- Gaffer: @brysonpartyoffour
- Best Boy Electric: Mike Cruz
- Electricians: Alexander Szuch, Geraldo Lara, Danny Carillo, Matt Hall
- Lighting Director: Whitney Hoversten
- Key Grip: @WadsworthPeters
- Best Boy Grip: @Joe_Lepp
- Dolly Grip: @AxelCubias
- Grips: @HankBolton14, @Blake_Danchik, @Gabriel_Lipps, Sam Camm, Pierre Boladian
- Production Designer: Freyja Bardell
- Art Coord: Chris Cranston
- Assistant Art Dir: Shaun Ross
- Leadman: Jon Hirsch
- Set Decorator: Barbara Lago
- Prop Master: @CraigRosestuff
- Prop Asst: Tiffany Luke
- On-Set Dresser: Albert Moreno
- Set Dressers: Manny Mancilla, Henry Costello, Phoenix Lopez,
- Special Effects: @DamonSarafian
- Art Hyphenate: Francesco Obrien
- VTR: Ignacio Martinez
- Aud Playback: Ignacio C Martinez
- Craft Services: @Raul.Aguirre.3597
- MOHO Drivers: Matthew Goldman, Don Clarke, Jason Yap, Charles Woods
- Set Medic: Matt Palamarts
- Set Security: Mark Thompson, Denbeigh Rudan, Litson Watler
- Prod Truck: Joe Schadt
- CAM Truck: Michael Ruelas
- Wardrobe Truck: Anthony Sims
- PAs: Estefania Pulido, Joselinne Pulido, BJ Alvarez, Chandler Berg, Munkhbat Norovsambuu, Julio Almaguer, @Paulinarosil, @austin_tong
- PA - Art: Jessica Lopez, Paulie Rose
- Tailor: Ashley Brock, David Viato
- Hair: Evanie Frausto
- Hair Assistants: Austin Weber, Marin Mullen
- Makeup - Alexandra French
- Nails - Yoko Sakakura
- Stylists: Chloe & Chenelle Delgadillo, @astridallday, @mtstylist, @tiffanylupien
- Key Makeup/Hair: Adrienne Sanchez, @inthesky74
- Beauty: @skulleyFX
- Color: @raremedium.tv, @ayumiashleycolor
- Musicians: Brody, @dmile85
- Guitar: Andrew Watt
- Stage: Delfino Studios
Promotional Images
- Photography by John Esparza.
Synopsis and fashion credits
The music video, directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, shows Gaga and Mars in the blue outfits they are wearing on the song's cover art. The clip shows the duo performing the song on a retro stage of a TV studio set, populated by faceless mannequins, as a black-and-white camera records them. Mars plays the guitar wearing a cowboy hat as Gaga plays the keys while sporting red tights.
- Custom dress and blouse by Muto-Little Costumes, tights by Wolford, and pumps by Roger Vivier.
Stills
Credits
- Bruno Mars appears courtesy of Atlantic Records.
| Songwriter | Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy and Andrew Watt |
| Publishing |
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| Producer | Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, D'Mile and Andrew Watt |
| Lead and background vocals, piano | Lady Gaga |
| Lead and background vocals, guitar | Bruno Mars |
| Guitar | Andrew Watt |
| Drum and bass | Dernst 'D'Mile' Emile |
| Engineer | Charles Moniz (Shampoo) and Paul LaMalfa (Shangri-La) |
| Assistant engineer | Alex Resoagli (Shampoo) and Tyler Harris (Shangri-La) |
| Additional engineer | Marco Sonzini (Shangri-La) |
| Recording studio | Shampoo Press and Curl Studios, Burbank, CA and Shangri-La Studios, Malibu, CA
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| Mixing engineer | Serban Ghenea at Mixstar Studios, Virginia Beach, VA
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| Mixing assistant | Bryce Bordone |
| Mastering engineer | Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound, Edgewater, NJ
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