What Doesn't Kill You

Jake Bugg's song 'What Doesn't Kill You' delves into the theme of resilience and the human capacity to endure hardship. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of personal loss and violence, capturing moments where the protagonist feels powerless and overwhelmed. The song opens with a late-night encounter where the protagonist's friend is violently mugged, leaving him bloodied and robbed. This incident sets the tone for the song, highlighting the harsh realities of life and the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies such events.

The chorus, 'What doesn’t kill ya, what doesn’t hurt, sometimes you feel you’re up against the world,' serves as a mantra of survival. It acknowledges the pain and struggle but also emphasizes the strength that comes from enduring these challenges. The repetition of 'you try, you bleed, then finally you breathe' underscores the cyclical nature of suffering and recovery, suggesting that while pain is inevitable, so is the eventual relief and growth that follows.

In the second verse, Bugg shifts to a more personal loss, describing a romantic relationship that ends abruptly. The departure of a loved one leaves the protagonist with nothing but memories, symbolized as 'a bunch of souvenirs.' This verse reinforces the song's central theme: life is filled with moments that can bring us to our knees, but these experiences also shape our resilience. The juxtaposition of physical violence and emotional heartbreak illustrates the diverse forms of adversity we face and the universal need to find strength in the aftermath.

'What Doesn't Kill You' is a poignant reflection on the trials of life and the resilience required to navigate them. Jake Bugg's raw and honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced hardship, offering a message of hope and endurance in the face of adversity.