The Yearning for Simplicity in Olivia O'Brien's 'Call Mom'

Olivia O'Brien's song 'Call Mom' delves into the emotional complexities of fame and the longing for simpler times. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who has achieved material success but finds herself disillusioned and yearning for the comfort and simplicity of her past. The juxtaposition of being 'sad in my Porsche' and 'happy in my Honda' highlights the emptiness that can accompany wealth and fame. Despite the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, the artist feels isolated and disconnected, surrounded by superficial relationships that lack genuine support.

The chorus, where O'Brien repeatedly asks her mother to pick her up and expresses a desire to return home, underscores a deep sense of nostalgia and a craving for the security and unconditional love of family. This sentiment is further emphasized by the voicemail interlude, where her mother expresses concern, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the song. The artist's admission that she would trade her freedom for the 'weight off my shoulders' reveals the burdens that come with adulthood and the pressures of maintaining a public persona.

O'Brien's lyrics also touch on the universal theme of growing up too fast and the fear of losing one's youth. The line 'I'm too young to feel like my life's already over' captures the anxiety of feeling prematurely aged by responsibilities and expectations. The repetition of 'Can I come back?' in the latter part of the song serves as a poignant plea for a return to innocence and a simpler, more carefree existence. Through 'Call Mom,' Olivia O'Brien offers a raw and relatable exploration of the emotional toll of fame and the timeless desire to return to the safety and simplicity of home.

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  1. i hate u, i love u (feat. gnash)
  2. Call Mom
  3. Find What You're Looking For
  4. Bitches These Days
  5. Empty
  6. Born with a Broken Heart
  7. RIP
  8. Bandaid On a Bullet Hole
  9. No Love
  10. blip
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