Avicii - Painkiller Ft. Joe Killington
My thoughts on Avicii's "Painkiller" demo featuring Joe Killington. Why this track means so much to me, the iconic guitar sound, and my connection to Tim's music.
Lyrics
Verse 1
He’s on the other side of the door
Tryna talk you round again
Whispering words you’ve already heard
And you’re nearly caving in
Here he goes, heavy blows
Tears are raining down
Just keep your eyes closed
All the hurt and the scars, they ain’t healing now
But if you let me close
Chorus
I will be your painkiller
Call me when you’re trembling on the floor
And I will fix your heart for ya
If you let me, I will be your cure
I’ll be your painkiller
No matter where you are
I’ll be your painkiller
And you won’t have to hurt no more
Hurt no more
Verse 2
Put on a dress, put on a smile
Just like he says you should
Dancing the dance, avoiding emotions
And killing the side that’s good
Here he goes, heavy blows
Tears are raining down
Just keep your eyes closed
All the hurt and the scars, they ain’t healing now
But if you let me close
Chorus
I will be your painkiller
Call me when you’re trembling on the floor
And I will fix your heart for ya
If you let me, I will be your cure
I’ll be your painkiller
No matter where you are
I’ll be your painkiller
And you won’t have to hurt no more
Hurt no more
My Own Opinion: Why This Track Hits Different
I love this demo / leak. It's typically AVICII/Tim and also it features the popular guitar that has been used in the Wake Me Up ABA (Avicii by Avicii) Remix Version.
And this guitar has also been used in "Dreaming Of Me" by Avicii, in 2014.
But let me tell you why this track means so much to me beyond just the guitar sound.
What Avicii Means to Me
I've been making music since 2011, and Avicii (Tim Bergling) has been one of my biggest inspirations. His ability to blend electronic music with acoustic elements, to create something that feels both danceable and deeply emotional – that's what I've always tried to capture in my own work.
When I first heard "Painkiller," it hit me in a way that's hard to describe. The lyrics are powerful – they're about being there for someone who's hurting, about being their "painkiller" when they're going through tough times. And Joe Killington's vocals? Absolutely beautiful. There's so much emotion in his delivery.
But what really gets me is how Tim's production supports those vocals. The way the track builds, the way the guitar weaves in and out, the way everything comes together – it's pure Avicii magic.
The Iconic Guitar Sound
Okay, let's talk about that guitar. If you're an Avicii fan, you've definitely heard this guitar sound before. It's that distinctive, almost folky acoustic guitar that Tim used in so many of his tracks.
I first noticed it in the Wake Me Up ABA (Avicii by Avicii) Remix. That guitar line is just... perfect. It adds this organic, human element to the electronic production. And then I heard it again in "Dreaming Of Me" from 2014, and I was like, "Wait, is that the same guitar?"
It might be, or it might just be a similar style. But either way, it's become this signature sound that I associate with Tim's music. It's that blend of electronic and acoustic that made his music so special.
Any idea who played this guitar? I've been trying to find out, but I haven't been able to track down the musician. If you know, please let me know – I'd love to give them credit. You can contact me through my Instagram or just leave a comment.
Why This Demo Matters
"Painkiller" is a demo, which means it was never officially released. But that doesn't make it any less powerful. Sometimes demos capture something special – a moment in time, a raw emotion, an idea that's still being formed.
This track feels like Tim was exploring something new. The combination of Joe Killington's soulful vocals with Tim's production creates something that's both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. It's that duality that I love about Avicii's music – it can make you want to dance and cry at the same time.
As a producer myself, listening to demos like this is fascinating. You get to hear the creative process, to see how ideas were developing. It's like getting a glimpse into Tim's mind, into how he worked and created.
The Lyrics That Hit Home
Let me talk about the lyrics for a second, because they're really powerful:
"I will be your painkiller
Call me when you're trembling on the floor
And I will fix your heart for ya
If you let me, I will be your cure"
These words hit different, especially knowing what Tim was going through. The song is about being there for someone, about offering comfort and support. But there's also this vulnerability in the lyrics – "if you let me" suggests that sometimes people push away help, even when they need it.
The second verse is especially poignant:
"Put on a dress, put on a smile
Just like he says you should
Dancing the dance, avoiding emotions
And killing the side that's good"
This feels like it's about putting on a facade, about pretending everything's okay when it's not. It's about hiding your true self to please others, and how that can destroy the good parts of you.
As someone who's struggled with mental health and the pressure to always be "on," these lyrics resonate with me deeply. Tim had a way of writing songs that felt personal and universal at the same time.
My Connection to This Track
I'm not going to lie – when I first heard "Painkiller," I cried. Not just because it's a beautiful song, but because of what it represents. Tim was creating music that was honest, that dealt with real emotions and struggles. He wasn't afraid to be vulnerable in his art.
As a bedroom producer who's been making music for over a decade, I've always tried to be honest in my work. I've tried to create music that means something, that connects with people on an emotional level. Tim showed me that you can do that while still making music that makes people want to dance.
This track, like so many of Tim's songs, reminds me why I make music. It's not about fame or money – it's about creating something that matters, something that can help someone feel less alone.
The Download
I've included a download link for this track because I think it's important that Tim's music, even the demos, is accessible to fans. This isn't about piracy or anything like that – it's about preserving his legacy and making sure his work continues to inspire people.
If you enjoy this track, please support Tim's official releases. His music deserves to be heard, and his family and estate deserve to be supported.
Final Thoughts
"Painkiller" is more than just a demo to me. It's a reminder of Tim's talent, of his ability to create music that touches people's hearts. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, music can be a painkiller – it can help us feel less alone, less broken.
Tim's music has been a painkiller for me in so many ways. When I'm struggling, when I'm creating, when I need inspiration – his music is always there. And I hope that in some small way, my music can do the same for others.
What's Next?
If you're an Avicii fan like me, check out my other posts about Tim's music:
And if you want to hear my own music (inspired by Avicii, of course), check out:
What does "Painkiller" mean to you? Do you have a favorite Avicii demo or unreleased track? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
About the Author
Livvux
AI Artist, Musician, Producer creating music with AI tools. Music production tutorials, Avicii covers, AI music guides, and inspiration for artists and producers.
