Raphaela’s “Leave Him First” is a Melancholic and Empowering Pop Ballad That Turns Heartbreak Into Strength
Lebanese-Canadian singer-songwriter Raphaela unveils her emotionally complex new single, “Leave Him First,” a cinematic and empowering pop track that flips the script on betrayal and heartbreak.
What begins as a classic story of romantic infidelity quickly becomes something more nuanced and powerful: a conversation between two women who unknowingly shared the same partner. But instead of revenge, Raphaela offers empathy. In “Leave Him First,” the narrator speaks not to the man who broke her heart, but to the girl he cheated with – encouraging her to reclaim her worth before it’s too late.
The track’s delicate balance of melancholic vulnerability and quiet strength is what makes it unforgettable. It’s a reflection of Raphaela’s unique perspective – choosing compassion over conflict, solidarity over spite.
Raphaela shares,
“I started writing this song like I was confronting him, but it didn’t feel right. The moment I rewrote it as a message to the girl he cheated with, everything clicked. It’s about breaking the cycle – telling her, woman to woman, that she deserves better. That shift gave me a sense of empowerment I didn’t expect. It made the song feel more honest, more healing.”