Hurt

Arlo Parks' song 'Hurt' delves into the emotional turmoil and struggles of a character named Charlie. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Charlie's life, marked by pain and a sense of numbness. He turns to alcohol to cope, as indicated by the line 'Charlie drank it, till his eyes burned.' This self-destructive behavior is a manifestation of his deep-seated pain and inability to feel anything whole or meaningful. The repetition of 'Wouldn't it be lovely, to feel something for once?' underscores his yearning for emotional connection and a sense of worth.

The song also touches on themes of loneliness and escapism. Charlie's isolation is evident as he 'melts into his mattress' and watches 'Twin Peaks on his ones.' His longing for his mother and the comfort of familiar things leads him to find solace in a bottle. The lyrics 'I know you can't let go, of anything at the moment' suggest a struggle with letting go of past traumas and the difficulty of moving forward. However, Arlo Parks offers a glimmer of hope with the reassurance that 'it won't hurt so much forever,' implying that healing is possible with time.

In the latter part of the song, Charlie's dreams of a better life are revealed. He imagines a house with 'red carnations by the windows,' symbolizing a desire for beauty and stability. This dream represents his hope for a future where he doesn't feel 'so small, so overwhelmed by all his flaws.' Arlo Parks' gentle and empathetic delivery of these lyrics highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of mental health struggles. The song ultimately conveys a message of resilience and the possibility of finding light even in the darkest times.