I Miss Her
Jessie J
The Heartbreaking Reality of Loving Someone with Dementia
Jessie J's song "I Miss Her" is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil experienced by those who love someone suffering from dementia or a similar condition. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loss and helplessness as the singer grapples with the gradual fading of a loved one's memory and identity. The opening lines, "It’s not fair, I’m talking to you upstairs, Are you there?" set the tone for a heartfelt plea to a higher power, reflecting the desperation and frustration of watching someone you care about slip away mentally while still being physically present.
The chorus, "I miss her even though she’s still here," encapsulates the core sentiment of the song. This line highlights the paradox of mourning someone who is still alive but no longer the person they once were. The singer's willingness to give "forever" for just one day of clarity for their loved one underscores the depth of their love and the pain of their situation. The repeated calls to "not let her disappear" emphasize the urgency and the fear of losing the person entirely.
In the latter part of the song, Jessie J touches on the hope for peace and freedom for the afflicted individual, with lines like "When she goes, everything she sees will set her free." This reflects a bittersweet acceptance of the inevitable, coupled with a wish for the loved one to find solace in the afterlife. The mention of specific memories, such as "Fourteen and the color green," adds a personal touch, making the song even more relatable to those who have shared similar experiences. Overall, "I Miss Her" is a touching tribute to the enduring love and heartache that accompanies the journey of caring for someone with a degenerative condition.