Believe
Gossip Girl
Searching for Meaning in a World of Despair
The song 'Believe' by Gossip Girl delves into the existential struggle of finding purpose and meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The opening lines paint a picture of a bleak environment where people are devoid of genuine happiness, symbolized by faces that 'don't smile they just crack.' This imagery sets the tone for a narrative of disillusionment and waiting for something that may never come, as illustrated by the metaphor of a ship that 'is not coming back.' The lyrics suggest a sense of wasted time, likened to 'pennies in a jar,' questioning the purpose of such saving when the future appears so uncertain.
The song further explores themes of escapism and self-medication, with references to drinking as a means to cope with 'stale feeling' and 'sins.' This act of numbing oneself is juxtaposed with the idea of being rooted to the floor, indicating a sense of stagnation and helplessness. The repeated question, 'What are we waiting for,' underscores a pervasive sense of inertia and the need for a catalyst to break free from this cycle of despair.
The chorus serves as a desperate plea for something to believe in, a reason to keep going beyond mere survival. The protagonist's struggle is internalized in the latter part of the song, where fear is personified as a 'beast' that has always been present. This fear is revealed to be a reflection of the protagonist's own insecurities and feelings of insignificance. The realization that 'the beast is just my fear' and that 'it's already done' signifies a moment of self-awareness, yet the plea for belief remains, highlighting the ongoing quest for meaning and purpose in life.