James Blunt breaks down in the music video for "Monsters." (Photo: Atlantic Records)

British singer-songwriter James Blunt is best known for his sentimental heartbreak ballads “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover,” but his latest single “Monsters,” a tribute to his ailing father, is his rawest and most poignant yet.

In his devastating new “Monsters” music video, an anguished Blunt, in an extreme close-up reminiscent of Sinead O’Connor’s iconic, one-take “Nothing Compares 2 U” clip, stares down the lens, his eyes welling up with tears, as he sings: “I'm not your son, you're not my father/We're just two grown men saying goodbye… So Daddy, won't you just close your eyes?/Don't be afraid, it's my turn/To chase the monsters away.”

Blunt struggles to maintain his composure throughout the first half of video, so much much so that it’s almost uncomfortable to witness. And when the camera finally cuts to a wider shot, it becomes clear why he is so distraught, that he isn’t acting, and that his tears are very real. Sitting stoically beside him is his real-life dad, former cavalry officer Colonel Charles Blount, who is battling stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

Last year on Good Morning Britain, Blunt spoke of his father’s serious illness and made a plea to possible organ donors, saying: "I've come on here to ask you what blood group you are. Some things have been going on in my life that I needed to write about. My father has not been very well, actually. He needs a new kidney and a kidney donor. And I've come on here to ask you what blood group you are. If you are an O-positive, I'll take it off you." (Blunt revealed that, sadly, he is not a match.)

View photos James Blunt with his father, Charles Blount. (Photo: Atlantic Records) More

On the same U.K. morning program, Blunt spoke of the experience of writing “Monsters” after learning of his father’s kidney disease, explaining: "Really that has been an amazing moment, because when you realize your father's mortality, it's a great opportunity to say the things I'd like to say to him.”

Fans, particularly those who have lost a parent or who are preparing to say goodbye to a sick parent, have taken to social media to praise the touching video, which went viral after William Shatner tweeted it to his 2.5 million followers.

Just watched the video for @JamesBlunt #monsters the heartbreak having to (and being able to) say goodbye to a parent while they are still alive, a blessing and a curse 😢 — Fiona Stark (@FiStark) January 16, 2020

Jesus christ @JamesBlunt could you have given us a heads up about your new single 'Monsters' and how sad it is? I was in a room full of people when I played it and had to pause it, then blame allergies for the eyes welling up, then had to stare at the wall for 5 mins lol — HighlandFreethinkers (@Highlandfreethi) January 16, 2020

just watched your Monsters Video ... beautifully shot.. simple but so much meaning to me personally.. my father passed away last year thank you @JamesBlunt #monsters — Phil Hutchings (@PhilHutchings) January 16, 2020

I’ve never been ashamed to say I’m a huge fan of James Blunt. Served his Country and now an outstanding song writer. I dread the day that this song and video holds new meaning for me and him.



James Blunt - Monsters [Official Video] https://t.co/mtu0UzGzlq via @YouTube — Alєх Murphч (@ResponseMurphy) January 16, 2020

@JamesBlunt just listened to Monsters. Breathtaking. As a daughter watching my mum fade away it says so much. Thank you — Ruth Guest (@phantombiker) January 16, 2020

I couldn't make it past 1 minute.. I'm bawling... Brilliant. Lovely. Heartbreaking. @caitiegreen — Michelle (@ammaright) January 17, 2020

All proceeds from Blunt’s “Monsters” single go directly to the charities Help for Heroes and the British Legion. The full lyrics for “Monsters” are below.

Oh, before they turn off all the lights

I won't read you your wrongs or your rights

The time has gone

I'll tell you goodnight, close the door