Be

Potsu's song 'Be' delves deep into the internal struggles of self-acceptance and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with feelings of inadequacy and the weight of external demands. The opening lines, 'There's something rotten inside me / You told me to be better, ain't honestly likely,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the protagonist's internal conflict and the sense of being unable to meet the expectations placed upon them. This theme is further explored as the lyrics describe the pressure to be smart, strong, and successful, juxtaposed with the protagonist's feelings of entrapment and despair.

The recurring motif of wanting to 'fly' but feeling unable to do so symbolizes the desire for freedom and self-fulfillment, contrasted with the harsh reality of feeling trapped and unworthy. The lines 'I don't wanna swim no more, I wanna fly / Looking up at those that do, but I don't identify' encapsulate this yearning for liberation and the pain of feeling disconnected from those who seem to have achieved it. The protagonist's struggle with self-worth is poignantly expressed in the repeated refrain, 'Yeah, I'm flawed as hell, I could never love myself / As long as I carry this guilt, I will never feel fulfilled,' underscoring the deep-seated guilt and self-loathing that hinder their ability to find peace and happiness.

The song also touches on themes of mental exhaustion and the cyclical nature of despair. The lines 'Beep, beep, beep, beep-beep, beep / Beat, I reach for the screen, I need sleep / This sequence is bleak, it reeks, then repeats' convey a sense of relentless fatigue and the struggle to break free from a monotonous and draining existence. The protagonist's contemplation of ending their life, as depicted in the verse 'One lonely night, coming home from work to heavy rain / Thirty feet from the train cross I cross every day / Bar halfway down, I don't hesitate / Close both my eyes and for heaven's sake hit me today,' adds a harrowing layer to the narrative, highlighting the depth of their despair and the desire for an escape from their suffering.

Ultimately, 'Be' is a powerful exploration of the challenges of self-acceptance, the impact of societal pressures, and the profound struggle with mental health. Potsu's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery create a compelling and relatable portrayal of the human experience, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the weight of not being enough.