Don't Laugh I'll Cry

Sasha Alex Sloan's song "Don't Laugh I'll Cry" delves into the complex emotional landscape of dealing with fear, anxiety, and the inevitability of loss. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who uses humor as a defense mechanism to cope with their deep-seated fears and anxieties. The opening lines, where the narrator holds their breath while passing a graveyard, set the tone for the song's exploration of mortality and the discomfort it brings. This act of holding one's breath is a common superstition, symbolizing an attempt to ward off the fear of death and the unknown.

The chorus reveals the narrator's true feelings, admitting that their seemingly indifferent or humorous reactions are actually a mask for their intense emotions. Lines like "If I act like I don't care, it's 'cause I care too much" and "If I act like I'm not scared, it's 'cause I'm scared as fuck" highlight the internal conflict between appearing strong and feeling vulnerable. The use of dark humor, such as joking about leaving money after death, underscores the narrator's struggle to confront their fears directly. Instead, they choose to laugh to avoid breaking down in tears.

The song also touches on the anxiety of losing loved ones, as seen in the verse about saying goodbye at the airport. The narrator's morbid joke about plane crashes reveals their deep fear of separation and loss. This cyclical pattern of thoughts, where the narrator oscillates between fear and humor, illustrates the difficulty of managing such overwhelming emotions. Sloan's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make "Don't Laugh I'll Cry" a powerful exploration of the human condition, resonating with anyone who has ever used humor to mask their pain.