“Still Light” -The Knife

This song makes me feel like I am never going to be okay again. I can’t listen to it without tension building in the pit of my stomach.

It opens with dark synth that builds to rather unusual vocals, which only add to unease of the song. The narrator has roused in a hospital bed after attempting suicide. The doctor asks them if it was worth it and if it could be worse than this.

The song doesn’t answer this question, but I will: no. No, it’s not worth it. It’s pretty difficult to get worse than that.

The next and final verse explains the desperation and hopelessness the narrator felt and does so without being jaded or callous. The words are simple and honest. As if to change the subject, the narrator finally asks, “Now where is everybody? Is it still light outside?”

Again, these questions aren’t answered. The song fades out with more layered synth, creating an accurate mood for the events that transpired.

Songs like this remind me I am human.