Creep (feat. Caitlin Koch)

Drew Ryniewicz's rendition of 'Creep,' featuring Caitlin Koch, is a poignant exploration of self-worth and alienation. The song opens with a sense of awe and admiration for someone who seems almost otherworldly, described as an 'angel' with skin that evokes tears. This person is depicted as floating 'like a feather in a beautiful world,' highlighting their ethereal and unattainable nature. The narrator's yearning to be 'special' underscores a deep-seated insecurity and a feeling of inadequacy in comparison to this idealized figure.

The chorus starkly contrasts this admiration with the narrator's self-perception, labeling themselves as a 'creep' and a 'weirdo.' These harsh self-descriptions reflect a profound sense of not belonging and a struggle with self-acceptance. The repeated question, 'What the hell am I doing here?' emphasizes the narrator's existential crisis and their feeling of being out of place in the world. This theme of alienation is further amplified by the desire for control, a perfect body, and a perfect soul, which are unattainable ideals that exacerbate the narrator's feelings of inadequacy.

The song's bridge introduces a sense of urgency and desperation as the narrator observes someone 'running out again,' possibly symbolizing the fleeting nature of happiness or connection. The repeated plea for the other person's happiness, 'Whatever makes you happy, whatever you want,' reveals a self-sacrificial aspect, where the narrator's own desires are secondary to the happiness of the other. The final repetition of 'I don't belong here' leaves the listener with a lingering sense of unresolved tension and melancholy, encapsulating the universal struggle with self-identity and belonging.