If I Don't Laugh I'll Cry

L Devine's song 'If I Don't Laugh I'll Cry' delves into the emotional turmoil and coping mechanisms of someone grappling with life's challenges. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is overwhelmed by anxiety and stress, using humor and substances as a way to manage their emotions. The opening lines, 'Fuck an alarm, worry gets me out of bed,' immediately set the tone for a life driven by anxiety rather than routine. This sense of being constantly on edge is further emphasized by the mention of '20 missed calls' and spending money recklessly, indicating a chaotic and unstable lifestyle.

The chorus, 'If I don't laugh, I'll cry about it,' serves as the emotional crux of the song. It highlights the thin line between maintaining composure and breaking down. The phrase 'paranoid parody skit' suggests that the protagonist feels like their life is a dark comedy, where the only way to cope with the absurdity and stress is through laughter or escapism. This duality of emotions—finding humor in pain—is a common theme in modern pop music, reflecting a broader societal trend of using humor as a coping mechanism.

The second verse continues to explore this theme, with the protagonist making questionable decisions like trying to go home with an ex and barely holding onto their job. These actions underscore a sense of desperation and a search for stability in an unstable world. The repeated line, 'I practice a lot, so why am I not better in bed,' adds a layer of self-doubt and insecurity, making the protagonist's struggles even more relatable. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of trying to find balance in a life filled with emotional highs and lows, using humor and substances as temporary relief from the underlying issues.