dying on the inside

Nessa Barrett's 'dying on the inside' is a poignant reflection on the pressures of maintaining appearances and the often invisible battle with body image and self-esteem. The song delves into the dichotomy between external beauty and internal turmoil, highlighting the artist's personal struggles with these issues. Barrett's lyrics suggest that compliments on her appearance, which should be affirming, instead serve as reminders of the pain she endures to meet societal standards of beauty. The song's chorus, 'Beauty is a knife, I've been holding by the blade,' uses a powerful metaphor to describe the dangerous and self-harming nature of striving for physical perfection.

The verses of 'dying on the inside' reveal the artist's internal dialogue and the societal expectations that exacerbate her distress. Barrett describes the 'dinner conversation no one talks about,' alluding to the taboo nature of discussing mental health and body image issues openly. The song's narrative is a candid confession of the artist's battle with these demons, as she contemplates the consequences of not adhering to these unrealistic standards. The repeated lines 'I hate that I always look my best when I'm dying on the inside' underscore the irony that her best physical appearance coincides with her worst emotional state.

Nessa Barrett's musical style, characterized by its raw emotion and vulnerability, allows listeners to connect deeply with the themes she explores. 'dying on the inside' is a powerful anthem for those who feel trapped by the expectations of beauty and the fear of rejection. It encourages a conversation about the importance of mental health and the need to challenge the harmful beauty standards that pervade society.