Anti-Hero (remix) (feat. Taylor Swift)
Bleachers
Embracing the Flawed Self: A Dive into 'Anti-Hero (remix) (feat. Taylor Swift)'
The song 'Anti-Hero (remix)' by Bleachers featuring Taylor Swift is a candid introspection of self-doubt and the struggle with personal demons. The lyrics convey a sense of self-awareness and self-criticism, with the repeated line 'I'm the problem, it's me' serving as a blunt admission of perceived personal flaws. The song delves into themes of aging without gaining wisdom, dealing with depression, and the fear of being abandoned due to one's own shortcomings. The mention of 'midnights become my afternoons' suggests a disoriented sense of time, often associated with mental health struggles.
The song also touches on the idea of the 'anti-hero,' a character who lacks conventional heroic qualities. The protagonist of the song sees themselves as an anti-hero, someone who is difficult to root for due to their flaws and mistakes. This is further emphasized by the line 'It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero,' which suggests a weariness from both the self and others in constantly supporting someone who struggles to be their best self. The inclusion of Taylor Swift, known for her confessional songwriting, adds depth to the theme of self-examination and the complexity of the human psyche.
Cultural references, such as the mention of 'art bro' and '90's guilt,' add a layer of social commentary to the song, critiquing the pretentiousness and nostalgia that can pervade contemporary culture. The dream about being killed for an inheritance and the family's reaction is a darkly humorous take on legacy and the perception of one's worth, further highlighting the song's exploration of self-worth and the fear of being a burden or a disappointment to others.