Jessica Simpson Hints at Eric Johnson's 'Empty Promises' in New Song ‘Fade’

Jessica Simpson is seemingly opening up about her recent heartbreak in her new song, “Fade.”

Simpson, 45, dropped the track on Tuesday, July 22. The first verse kicked off with Simpson reflecting on woes from a relationship that has come to an end.

“You can always say you love me / That doesn’t mean that I feel loved / There’s a green light in the distance / And all your words become too much,” she sang. “You can always say you love me / That doesn’t mean that I feel loved / There’s a green light in the distance / And all your words become too much.”

In the chorus, Simpson proudly declared that her unnamed ex “can just wait on” her, now that she is no longer in the picture.

“You can just wait on me / I won’t be around / Watching you fade on me / Your words mean nothing now,” she sang.

Simpson then reflected on how she won’t forget all the broken promises her former flame made.

“I have way too good a memory / I have no more heart to break / You’re as empty as your promise / Go sleep alone in the bed you made,” the song continued. “I’ve been way too optimistic / Now it’s all taking a turn / They’re gonna talk, but it’s not their business / The stars align and sometimes burn.”

“Fade” was written by Simpson, Trent Dabbs and Teresa LaBarbera. Simpson opened up about the creative process behind the tune.

“This song came straight from my heart,” she said in a press release on Tuesday. “I had just lived through this heavy, emotional moment, but there was no way I was gonna cancel my songwriting session. I walked into the studio with tears still on my cheeks, and what came out was a prayer. ‘Fade’ is about watching someone you love slip away in real time, while trying to hold on to something that’s already gone.”

“Fade” is the first single from Simpson’s EP, Nashville Canyon, Part 2, which will drop on September 4, 2025.

While Simpson didn’t reveal who was the inspiration for “Fade,” she and husband Eric Johnson separated after 10 years of marriage earlier this year.

“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Simpson told Us Weekly in a statement in January. “Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”

Simpson and Johnson, 45, tied the knot in July 2014 and share kids Maxwell, 13, Ace, 12, and Birdie, 6. One month after going public with their split, Simpson gave an update on where things stand with Johnson.

“I don’t know why my heart gets tossed around, but I’m one of the lucky ones,” Jessica told People in February. “At least I have my children, and I still have Eric. He’s still very much a part of my life and will always be.”