Delving Deeper Into “Dark Thoughts.”

By Jessi Teich

October 10th, 2017 was World Mental Health Day. I couldn’t think of a better time for my song “Dark Thoughts” to be released. Many times, I write a song and don’t completely understand where the lyrics come from until some time down the road. This song is a perfect example of that.

I have always been interested in learning about mental health and the therapeutic value of music within the context of treatment for various mental health diagnoses. I know from personal experience that music has the potential to add so much value to a person’s life whether times are good, times are bad, and anywhere in between that.

Those of you who are familiar with the DSM-V have knowledge of the specific diagnoses that I am speaking of in this song. Since most of us don’t have this knowledge at our fingertips, I’d like to take the time to do a short lyrics analysis to further your understanding of these important diagnoses that you or your loved ones may live with on a daily basis. After all, knowledge, awareness, and dialogue are all powerful players in helping to “normalize” mental health.

Remember, there is help available to you no matter how bad things are. You just have to reach out.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help/index.html

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/finding-help-when-get-it-and-where-go

XOXO,

Jessi

“Dark Thoughts” Lyric Analysis

It’s like I am alone in a crowded room

Nowhere to go for the afternoon

Depression: including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and double depression. People with a mood disorder such as depression may feel alone even when surrounded by others.

I’m climbing the walls but I’m stuck like glue

I’m holding it in, but it’s all over you

Anxiety: including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. People with anxiety sometimes suffer from the inability to do something because they are panicked and scared for their lives on the inside.

Feelin’ the bass thump inside my head

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many times people on the spectrum cover their ears because noises are very loud and overstimulating.

Light as a feather like I ain’t been fed

Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia Nervosa (AN/BN): Inability to have regular eating habits because of distorted cognitions about weight, self-image or the “perfect” body.

Please don’t mistake

No baby I ain’t complaining

I find these dark thoughts entertaining

These are touchy lyrics because they can refer to schizophrenia in a certain type of light (delusions), but also confront how others perceive people with mental illness (scary, evil, bad).

So send me on my way, send me on my way, send me on my way

Send me on my way, send me on my way, send me on my way

This refers to the resounding feeling that people who live with mental illness have when they are pushed through the mental health system and/or they are surrounded by people who don’t understand their illness and in turn don’t have the support they need.

Come on give me a taste you know I just want one

Promise to leave after I am done

You know I’m addicted to it I can’t stop

Nobody else will do your love’s on top

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): a type of anxiety disorder. The symptoms can include unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) and participate in behaviors in response to these.

So send me on my way, without you

I’m gonna live another day, without you by my side

Come on and send me on my way, without you

I’m gonna live another day, without you by my side

This lyrical section imparts a ray of hope and strength that people with mental health diagnoses may be able to achieve with the right help and support system.

Just the lyrics:

“Dark Thoughts” written by Jessi Teich

Produced by Fabian Mazur & Dee Adam

Released by Lowly Palace

Listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/lowlypalace/jessi-teich-dark-thoughts

It’s like I am alone in a crowded room

Nowhere to go for the afternoon

I’m climbing the walls but I’m stuck like glue

I’m holding it in, but it’s all over you

Feelin’ the bass thump inside my head

Light as a feather like I ain’t been fed

Please don’t mistake