And Then Is Heard No More
Mili
The Silent Struggle of Self-Worth
Mili's song "And Then Is Heard No More" delves into the complex emotions of self-doubt, inadequacy, and the longing for validation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their own perceived weaknesses and the overwhelming presence of others who seem effortlessly powerful and confident. The metaphor of candles looking forward to being used suggests a sense of purpose and fulfillment that the narrator feels they lack. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the narrator's words and actions are marred by a sense of failure and cowardice, despite their intentions to be brave.
The song continues to explore the theme of power dynamics, with the narrator envying those who seem to possess power naturally. The line "Must feel amazing to be longed for" highlights the narrator's deep-seated desire for recognition and love, which they feel is unattainable. The imagery of cemented excuses to the lashline symbolizes the narrator's deliberate blindness to their own potential and worth, choosing instead to remain in a state of self-imposed darkness.
As the song progresses, the narrator questions their place in the world, feeling lost and haunted by the ghosts of their past failures. The repeated plea for guidance and the desire for a story of a hero who knows it all reflects the narrator's yearning for a clear path and a sense of identity. The final lines, where the narrator asks to be read a book of themselves, encapsulate the struggle for self-acceptance and the hope that understanding their own story might bring peace and silence to their inner turmoil.