Oxygen Mask

In 'Oxygen Mask,' Sasha Alex Sloan delves into the complexities of loving someone who struggles with self-love. The song opens with the lines, 'You're all give and no take / You're all heart and no break,' setting the stage for a narrative about a partner who is selfless to a fault. This selflessness, while admirable, becomes a barrier to a healthy relationship because it prevents the partner from addressing their own needs and well-being.

The metaphor of the oxygen mask, a reference to the safety instructions given on airplanes, is central to the song's message. Sloan sings, 'We're just gonna burn / If you don't put your oxygen mask on first,' emphasizing the necessity of self-care. Just as passengers are advised to secure their own masks before assisting others, the song suggests that one must prioritize their own mental and emotional health to sustain a loving relationship. The imagery of 'falling out of the sky' and 'burning' underscores the urgency and potential destructiveness of neglecting self-care.

Sloan's plea for her partner to 'fight back' and seek help highlights the emotional toll that this imbalance takes on both individuals. The repeated assertion, 'Yeah, you know I love you more than anyone else / But it's hard for me to love you when you won't love yourself,' encapsulates the frustration and helplessness felt when witnessing a loved one's self-neglect. The song ultimately serves as a poignant reminder that self-love is not just a personal responsibility but a foundational element for any healthy relationship.