Clarity Liao On Unrequited Love With Latest Single ‘Like I Do’

San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Clarity Liao continues to establish herself as one of pop’s most exciting young talents with the release of her latest single, ‘Like I Do’, a stripped back song that recounts the ache of unrequited love through vulnerable lyricism and vivid imagery of wandering endlessly through a desert. 

The piano-led track allows the listener to focus on Clarity’s gentle yet commanding vocals. The chorus is achingly heartwrenching - the narrator is trying their best to be patient but they cannot stop thinking about the person they’re singing about: “No I / Can′t seem to forget about you / They said to wait / And I′ve been waiting / For it to hit you / Sometimes / I think about your smile / And I wonder bout that girl / Would she really love you / Like I do.” It’s everything a subdued and reflective breakup song should be.

Clarity’s composing debut came when she was just seven years old, taking a particular interest in playing the piano and guitar. Her songwriting for band Navillera earned them the Yamaha National Best Popular Music Award for their debut single “Too Young”, while “I Need You” secured first place in the 2025 YMS National Composers competition. Her solo material, including “Hurt My Heart,” written and recorded at just 12 years old, reveals an artist with proven emotional depth at such a young age. Drawing inspiration from household names such as Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion and Frankie Valli, Clarity’s sound dresses indie pop, R&B, bedroom pop, and modern doo-wop into something both fresh and classic.

‘Like I Do’ is a yearning ballad that offers a glimpse into her forthcoming EP, ‘Dear…,’ a project that further explores themes of love, loss and jealousy. Clarity reveals it was initially a homework assignment given from her English tutor. “The song really brought out my emotions from the current situation I was in at the time, also exploring a genre I’ve been liking but never really got to pursue, so I decided to take it to the studio. This song has so far been one of my favourite tracks to sing and listen to, also being one of the best expressed in my lyrics.”

With a voice that carries such a quiet confidence, Clarity Liao continues to prove that her artistry and musical capabilities are endless. ‘Like I Do’ cements her as a contemporary pop artist with emotional resonance that will connect with people across all generations.