Wishing Well
Juice WRLD
The Struggle and Desperation in Juice WRLD's 'Wishing Well'
Juice WRLD's 'Wishing Well' is a poignant reflection of the artist's inner turmoil and battle with mental health and addiction. The song's lyrics convey a sense of desperation and a cry for help, as Juice WRLD, born Jarad Higgins, struggles with the weight of his emotions and the grip of substance abuse. The repeated line 'I can't breathe, I'm waiting for the exhale' suggests a feeling of suffocation, both metaphorically in his life and literally as a side effect of drug use. The 'wishing well' serves as a metaphor for his attempts to cast away his pain and troubles, hoping for relief that never seems to come.
The song also touches on the theme of hiding one's true feelings to protect others from worry. Juice WRLD mentions that he tells people he's fine to avoid burdening them with his struggles, a common behavior among those suffering from depression and anxiety. The line 'Drugs killing me softly, Lauryn Hill' references the song 'Killing Me Softly' and highlights the paradox of his drug use: it provides a temporary escape but ultimately contributes to his demise. The raw honesty in the lyrics 'I stopped taking the drugs and now the drugs take me' encapsulates the vicious cycle of addiction.
'Wishing Well' is a powerful and heartbreaking song that offers a window into Juice WRLD's personal battles. It's a reminder of the often-hidden struggles with mental health and addiction that many people face. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar challenges, and it serves as a tragic prelude to Juice WRLD's untimely death in December 2019, which was attributed to an accidental overdose.