Checkmate

Checkmate by Philip La Rosa

Checkmate

Released: 2025

Written by: Philip La Rosa

Produced by: Nic Rollo

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Checkmate Lyrics

Opened my heart, welcomed you home
Gave you endless love, a place to call your own
You say your life’s so full, drama’s all gone
But that’s cause you mess it up, and then you move on

You run away, run away from me
Scared of what the world might say, and how you’ll be seen
Playing games, one move at a time
Checkmate, baby, I’m doing just fine
So run away, run away from me
Afraid of what the world might say
And how you’ll be seen
You came in, messed it up, and left us on read

So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me

Called yourself a lover, said you were a friend
Only when you needed a place to mend
I was there through your darkest nights
But now you talk behind my back, I see the lights

You run away, run away from me
Scared of what the world might say, and how you’ll be seen
Playing games, one move at a time
Checkmate, baby, I’m doing just fine
So run away, run away from me
Afraid of what the world might say
And how you’ll be seen
You came in, messed it up, and left us on read

So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me
So run away, you run away from me

So run away, run away from me
I don’t need your lies, deception, or greed
Everyone who knows you, just sees
You look for doormats, wherever you please

You run away (run away from me)
Scared of what the world might say (and how you’ll be seen)
Playing games (one move at a time)
Checkmate, baby, I’m doing just fine
So run away, run away from me
Afraid of what the world might say
And how you’ll be seen
You came in, messed it up, and left us on read
So run away, you run away from me

So run away, run away from me
Now my life will be drama-free
No more lies, no more deceit
Just peace and quiet, scott-free

Called yourself a lover
Said you were a friend
All my life will be drama-free
No more lies, no more deceit
Just peace and quiet… scott-free

More information about Checkmate

Philip La Rosa released “Checkmate” on Wednesday, 27th August 2025.

“Checkmate” by Philip La Rosa was produced by Nic Rollo.

“Checkmate” by Philip La Rosa was written by Philip La Rosa.

You can listen to “Checkmate” by Philip La Rosa on all streaming platforms.

Listen to “Checkmate” on Spotify.
Listen to “Checkmate” on Apple Music.
Listen to “Checkmate” on YouTube.

“Checkmate” is a bold, unapologetic pop anthem from Fremantle singer-songwriter Philip La Rosa, produced by Nic Rollo in Perth. Written as a final word to a toxic ex-friend, the track turns personal betrayal into powerful self-liberation. With pulsing production, confident vocals, and a beat that walks the line between vulnerability and defiance, “Checkmate” captures what it feels like to finally break free from someone who thrived on chaos.

The lyrics strike hard: “You came in, messed it up, and left us on read” — a cutting line that speaks to ghosting, manipulation, and emotional games played behind a smiling mask. Layered with sharp metaphors like “playing games, one move at a time” and the final blow of “checkmate”, the song reclaims power from a friend who never truly had your back.

Sonically, “Checkmate” balances rhythmic hooks with a crisp, driving production that underscores the emotional clarity La Rosa delivers. It’s about reaching that long-overdue realisation: you’re better off without the drama.

This is part closure, part clapback — and fully empowering. “Checkmate” is for anyone who’s walked away from toxic friendships and finally found peace on the other side.