)
)
Eleven years after penning the lyrics to his unexpectedly iconic song, "I Took A Pill in Ibiza," singer-songwriter Mike Posner has reflected on his journey from a disaffected pop star to a man he is proud of.
On his 37th birthday, Posner posted online to show how much he has changed, explaining that the lyrics from his famous song no longer describe his life.
The original song, which became a global smash hit through a dance remix by SeeB, painted a bleak picture of fame, loneliness, and the hollow pursuit of validation.
Its opening lines, "I took a pill in Ibiza / to show Avicii I was cool / and when I finally got sober, felt 10 years older," became an anthem for a generation grappling with the underbelly of celebrity culture.
)
)
)
Singer Mike Posner
Today, Posner’s reality is starkly different. "I love myself more than ever," he wrote, contrasting his 26-year-old self with his present. "I no longer do things that harm my body to try to get people to like me."
Posner went through the song, lyric by lyric, offering a 37-year-old update to the song he wrote on his 26th birthday.
The "sports car just to prove I'm a real big baller" has been replaced by a Toyota 4Runner, and his massive Jordan collection has been donated.
"If I buy myself something nice, it's because I love myself and I deserve it, not because I'm trying to prove to others I'm good enough," Posner explained.
The haunting chorus that warned, "You don't ever wanna step off that roller coaster and be all alone," has also been rewritten by his life's experiences.
READ ALSO: 40 Celebs Who Didn't Catch Their Big Break Until Later in Life
Posner declared he is no longer lonely because he has spent a decade creating a community of people he described as the most loving high-powered friends in the world.
“Massive investment into relationship with my mom and sister... best it's ever been. Relationship with God is on a whole new level."
Perhaps most strikingly, Posner addressed the feeling of being a flash in the pan, a "singer who already blew his shot."
Singer Mike Posner in a mask
His 37-year-old self refutes this with a list of staggering achievements that have redefined his public and private image. He has walked across the entire continental United States and climbed Mount Everest.
These journeys, he noted, inspired him and, as a byproduct, became inspiring to others.
He also tackled the raw vulnerability of the song's bridge, where he confessed, "I can't keep a girl, no / 'Cause as soon as the sun comes up / I cut 'em all loose...the truth is I can't open up."
Now, he says, he has overcome his fear of intimacy and is in the healthiest and most beautiful relationship I’ve ever had.
The man who once claimed, "All I know are sad songs," now has a more expansive repertoire.
"I know sadness and pain very well," he admits, "I also know how I overcame/overcome it... I know sad songs, but I also know redemption songs, songs of freedom, songs of faith, and songs of devotion."
Singer Mike Posner
Posner concluded his reflection with a message of hope for anyone who might be struggling, expressing love and encouragement.
He said that those going through difficult times should keep going, as they have no idea how good their life might become in ten years.
He ended the note in gratitude. The post stands as a powerful testament to personal growth and the possibility of rewriting one’s own story.