JADE is closing out her breakout year with a bang on THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! THE ENCORE, the deluxe spin on her debut album hitting December 5, 2025, and “Tar” is the shadowy closer that sticks to you like the title promises—slow-burning pop with a bite, like exhaling smoke after the party’s over.
This one’s got that late-night confessional vibe, built on hazy synths and a beat that drags just enough to mirror the weight of overthinking. Jade pours out the imposter syndrome that’s been trailing her since the Little Mix days: bad thoughts clinging like tar, voodoo dolls of self-doubt, even ugly cries giving way to lipstick that won’t budge. It’s raw but glamorous, turning mental quicksand into something you can almost dance through. The chorus flips from turbulence to smooth skies, but that undercurrent of “waiting for bad shit to happen” keeps it grounded in the mess of being human under the spotlight.
As the 22nd track on this expanded 22-song ride, “Tar” caps off a project that’s all about Jade reclaiming her story. The original album dropped in September to massive love—number three in the UK, biggest debut week of the year—and now The Encore piles on eight fresh cuts, from the soul-stirring “Church” to a Madonna “Frozen” cover that fans have been begging for. It’s her love letter to the kid who plastered pop posters on her walls, inspired by everything from Diana Ross ballads to Scooter club bangers, all wrapped in electroclash edges and synth-pop heart.
Right now, Jade’s everywhere: fresh off UK tour dates that sold out in hours, with North America and Europe next year, plus a Graham Norton spot coming up. This isn’t just an add-on; it’s her saying the show’s far from over, evolving from group harmonies to solo anthems that feel like yours.
Dive into the Tar lyrics below and unpack its raw narrative. Don’t miss other THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! THE ENCORE tracks for more of JADE’s glittering grit.
| Lead Vocals | JADE |
| Songwriter | JADE, johan lenox, David Hamelin, Jordan Stephens & Skyler Stonestreet |
| Music Producer | Dave Hamelin & johan lenox |
| Mixing Engineer | Alex Ghenea |
| Mastering Engineer | Dale Becker |
| Background Vocals | Carol Ades & R.I.Pablo |
| Distributor | Sony Music Entertainment |
| Label | Jade Amelia Limited & RCA Records |
| Distributor | Universal Music Group |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Song Language | English |
| Copyright © | Jade Amelia Limited, RCA Records & Sony Music Entertainment |
Lyrics of Tar by JADE
[Verse 1]
Bad Thoughts Sticking To Me Like Tar
Sometimes I Forget That I’m A Superstar
Sticking Pins In My Voodoo Doll
A Teddy Bear With The Head Falling Off
And I’m Waiting For Bad Shit To Happen
My Imposter Syndrome Is Laughing
At Least I Look Good
My Lipstick Don’t Smudge
Even When I Hit The Turbulence
[Chorus]
And It’s Been A While Since I Ugly Cried
Smooth Sailing, I Been Cruising Through The Sky
I Know The Signs, Familiar Designs
Oh, When I’m Crashing, I Know How To Force A Smile
Smile
Smile
Smile
Smile, Yeah
[Verse 2]
Time Flies When Nothing Works
Old Paint Stained On Another Shirt
I Could Wash It Off But I Love The Dirt
Always Look My Best When I Think The Worst
And Every Time Something Good Happens
My Positivity Is Cranking
At Least I Look Good
My Lipstick Don’t Smudge
Even When I Hit The Turbulence
[Chorus]
And It’s Been A While Since I Ugly Cried
Smooth Sailing, I Been Cruising Through The Sky
I Know The Signs, Familiar Designs
Oh, When It Crashes, I Know How To Force A Smile
Smile
Smile
Smile, Oh
[Post-Chorus]
Is Happiness Such A Crime?
I Just Wanna Feel Alive
Is It Wrong I Wanna Feel Alright?
Will You Help Me Feel Alright?
Mm
[Outro]
Bad Thoughts Sticking To Me Like Tar
Sometimes I Forget That I’m A—
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