Better Off (Dying)
Lil Peep
The Dark Descent: Exploring Lil Peep's 'Better Off (Dying)'
Lil Peep's 'Better Off (Dying)' is a haunting exploration of inner turmoil, self-destructive tendencies, and the facade of success. The song opens with vivid imagery of chains shining and cocaine lined up, immediately setting a tone of opulence mixed with hidden despair. The repeated line, 'You don't wanna find out, better off lying,' suggests that the artist is concealing deep, painful secrets, and that uncovering these truths would lead to even greater sorrow. This duality of outward success and inner suffering is a recurring theme in Lil Peep's work, reflecting his struggles with fame and mental health.
The chorus, 'Baby I'm diving, I don't put the time in, even if I try hard, I ain't gonna make it,' reveals a sense of hopelessness and resignation. Despite any efforts, the artist feels doomed to fail, a sentiment that resonates with many who battle depression and anxiety. The repetition of 'We ain't gonna make it' underscores a collective sense of despair, suggesting that these feelings are not isolated but shared among his peers and listeners. This communal aspect of suffering is a poignant reminder of the widespread nature of mental health issues.
In the lines, 'I ain't gonna make it, but I love it when you fake, yeah, I got her little heart in my hand and I don't wanna break it,' Lil Peep touches on the complexities of relationships amidst personal chaos. The acknowledgment of fakeness in the relationship highlights a mutual understanding of their flawed reality, yet there's a tender desire not to cause harm. This juxtaposition of love and destruction encapsulates the tragic beauty often found in Lil Peep's music, where vulnerability and pain coexist with a yearning for connection and understanding.