Oom Sha La La

Haley Heynderickx's song 'Oom Sha La La' is a poignant exploration of self-doubt, existential questioning, and the search for personal growth. The recurring metaphor of 'sour milk' symbolizes the stagnation and decay in the narrator's life, reflecting feelings of disappointment and disillusionment. The mention of 'barely been to college' and 'doubtful of all that I have dreamed of' highlights the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompany young adulthood and the pressure to meet societal expectations.

The whimsical and seemingly nonsensical chorus, 'Oom sha la la,' serves as a contrast to the heavy themes in the verses. It acts as a coping mechanism, a way to momentarily escape the weight of existential dread. The imagery of 'olives on my thumbs' and 'the gap in my teeth' further emphasizes the narrator's sense of inadequacy and the struggle to find something tangible to hold onto in a world that feels unreliable and arbitrary.

The turning point in the song comes with the realization that change is necessary. The lines 'I'm throwing out the milk / The olives got old' signify a desire to discard the old, decaying aspects of life. The repeated declaration 'I need to start a garden' symbolizes the need for renewal and growth. Starting a garden represents taking control, nurturing new beginnings, and finding a sense of purpose. The song concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting that while creating something new, whether it's a garden or a song, is challenging, it is also a path to healing and self-discovery.