Controls

Pham's song 'Controls' delves deep into the struggles of a woman grappling with her inner demons and past mistakes. The recurring metaphor of 'skeletons' represents the burdens and secrets she carries, which she tries to bury but ends up collecting. This imagery suggests a cycle of unresolved issues that continue to haunt her, making it difficult for her to move forward. The lyrics emphasize the importance of confronting these skeletons rather than locking them away, as ignoring them only leads to more pain and suffering.

The song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist's mental state, highlighting her feelings of hopelessness and despair. Lines like 'Sometimes when she goes to sleep, she feels like not waking up' and 'She feels like she’s in so deep, that she’ll never make it out' reveal her deep-seated depression and sense of entrapment. The use of substances like liquor, Xanax, and Molly as coping mechanisms further illustrates her struggle to silence the 'demons' within her. These references to self-medication underscore the destructive ways people often try to manage their mental health issues.

Despite the dark themes, 'Controls' also offers a glimmer of hope. The lyrics encourage the protagonist to open her eyes and face her problems before it's too late. The song suggests that by acknowledging and addressing her issues, she can change her future for the better. The supportive voice in the song, possibly representing a friend or inner conscience, reassures her that the voices of her demons will eventually fade and that she is capable of overcoming her struggles. This message of resilience and self-empowerment is a crucial takeaway from the song, reminding listeners that they have the strength to confront and conquer their inner battles.