Strong For Somebody Else
Citizen Soldier
The Burden of Strength: A Deep Dive into 'Strong For Somebody Else' by Citizen Soldier
Citizen Soldier's 'Strong For Somebody Else' is a poignant exploration of the internal battles faced by those who feel compelled to be strong for others, even at the expense of their own well-being. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with intense emotional pain and the weight of responsibility. The protagonist is haunted by the thought of their loved ones living without them, which drives them to suppress their own suffering to avoid causing pain to others.
The song delves into the concept of 'personal hell,' where the protagonist feels trapped in a cycle of burying their pain and carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. The repeated lines 'I'll bury it, bury it' and 'I'll carry it, carry it' emphasize the relentless nature of this burden. The metaphor of putting pain into a pill and swallowing it highlights the desperate measures taken to numb the pain, even if it means becoming hollow and detached from their own emotions.
The internal conflict is further illustrated by the voice in the protagonist's head, which presents a grim choice between dying selfishly or living in a state of constant suffering. This voice symbolizes the struggle between self-preservation and the fear of being a burden to others. The song acknowledges that everyone has a breaking point, and the protagonist is painfully aware of their own. Despite the overwhelming despair, there is a glimmer of hope in the determination to hold on and be strong for somebody else, even if it means enduring their personal hell.
'For somebody, for somebody, somebody else' becomes a mantra of sorts, reinforcing the idea that the protagonist's strength is not for themselves but for the sake of their loved ones. This selfless act of enduring pain for others is both a source of strength and a heavy burden, capturing the complex emotions of those who feel they must be strong for the sake of others, even when it feels impossible.