Downers

Greentea Peng's song 'Downers' delves into the emotional and psychological struggles of feeling disconnected and numb. The recurring line, 'I can’t smell the flowers,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of joy and the inability to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. This sense of emptiness is further emphasized by the repetition of 'Felt empty now for hours' and 'Lost my powers,' suggesting a prolonged state of emotional and mental fatigue. The artist's use of 'downers' refers to depressants, hinting at self-medication as a coping mechanism, which ultimately exacerbates the feeling of disconnection.

The lyrics also touch on the superficiality of modern interactions, described as 'half-hearted encounters,' and the tendency to alter one's reality to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. This is captured in the lines, 'Can’t deal with the truth / So we just change the world around us.' The song critiques the escapism that many resort to, whether through substances or other means, to avoid confronting their inner turmoil. The imagery of 'towers' symbolizes the overwhelming and isolating structures of modern life, contributing to the artist's sense of being trapped and misunderstood.

In the latter part of the song, Greentea Peng reflects on the isolation she has created for herself, 'Stuck inside a space I have created for / Myself to be round no one else.' This self-imposed isolation is a double-edged sword, providing a temporary escape but also leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from even close friends, 'Feeling fucking lonely / Like no one even knows me / Not even my own homies.' The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics offer a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles with mental health, self-medication, and the search for genuine connection in a world that often feels overwhelming and impersonal.