Soda

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Soda' delves deep into the complexities of self-identity and mental health. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their sense of self, feeling like an exception and struggling to accept it. The opening lines, 'I'm an exception / It's hard to accept,' set the tone for the entire song, highlighting the internal conflict and the difficulty of finding happiness amidst self-doubt and paranoia. The repeated advice to 'chill' and the suggestion that 'it's all in your head' reflect the common, yet often unhelpful, responses people receive when they express their mental health struggles.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'I don't wanna be myself / It's making me so unwell,' captures the essence of the song's emotional turmoil. This powerful declaration of wanting to escape one's own identity speaks to the deep discomfort and dissatisfaction the narrator feels. The desire to 'be someone else' underscores a longing for relief from the internal chaos and a search for a different, perhaps more peaceful, existence.

The verse mentioning 'living off soda and cheap cigarettes' adds a layer of self-destructive behavior, often associated with attempts to cope with mental distress. The reference to possibly being 'dropped on my head' as a child introduces a touch of dark humor, suggesting a search for reasons behind the narrator's current state. This blend of humor and despair is a poignant reflection of the complexities of mental health, where moments of levity can coexist with profound sadness. Overall, 'Soda' is a raw and honest exploration of the struggle to find peace within oneself, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected from their own identity.