For Joe

Ren's song 'For Joe' is a poignant and deeply emotional tribute to a friend who has passed away, presumably by suicide. The lyrics are a raw and honest exploration of grief, loss, and the enduring impact of a loved one's absence. Ren uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the depth of his sorrow and the complexity of his emotions. The opening lines, 'It's hard to take off from the ground when your wings are cut / Your stomach burns when you're drinking from an empty cup,' set the tone for the song, illustrating the profound sense of helplessness and emptiness that accompanies such a loss.

The song delves into the memories and moments shared with Joe, painting a picture of a time when life felt indestructible and carefree. Ren reminisces about the good times spent with friends, the 'pier cave' hangouts, and the camaraderie that once filled his days. However, these memories are tinged with a sense of regret and longing, as Ren grapples with the reality that he can no longer reach out to his friend. The line 'The truth is that the day you jumped my childhood jumped too' encapsulates the profound impact Joe's death had on Ren's life, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a painful journey through grief.

Throughout the song, Ren expresses a deep sense of guilt and what-ifs, imagining scenarios where he could have saved Joe. This is poignantly captured in the lines, 'I picture running 5 minutes quicker I'm right on time / I picture pulling you back over the edge and then we're crying.' These reflections highlight the common feelings of survivors' guilt and the desire to rewrite the past. Despite the pain, Ren finds solace in the idea that Joe's spirit lives on, referring to him as a 'freckled angel' who continues to inspire and guide him. The song concludes with a message of resilience and hope, acknowledging the strength and courage that Joe's memory instills in those left behind.

'For Joe' is a powerful and moving tribute that resonates with anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. It captures the essence of grief, the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath, and the enduring bond that transcends death. Ren's heartfelt lyrics and evocative storytelling make this song a touching homage to a friend who will never be forgotten.