Prologue: Invisible

The song "Prologue: Invisible" by Beetle Juice delves into the profound and often isolating experience of grief. The opening lines set a somber tone, with the ensemble and pastor acknowledging the loss of Emily Deetz. The pastor's words emphasize the communal aspect of mourning, suggesting that in times of sorrow, people come together to support one another. However, this communal support is contrasted sharply by Lydia's solo, which reveals a more personal and isolating side of grief.

Lydia's lyrics poignantly express the feeling of being invisible when one is sad. She observes how the world continues to move forward—clocks tick, phones ring, and people whisper behind their hands—while she feels unseen and misunderstood. This sense of invisibility is a powerful metaphor for the internal struggle of dealing with loss. Lydia's yearning for someone to acknowledge her pain and say her name highlights the human need for connection and validation, especially during times of profound sorrow.

The song also touches on the inadequacy of adults in addressing grief. Lydia notes that grownups often want to fix things but are filled with shame when they can't, leading them to look away. This observation underscores the discomfort many people feel around grief and their tendency to avoid confronting it directly. The song concludes with a humorous interjection from Betelgeuse, which serves to break the tension and remind the audience of the theatrical nature of the performance. Overall, "Prologue: Invisible" captures the complex emotions of grief, the feeling of being unseen, and the societal discomfort with mourning.