Jesus Wept
Scrim
The Dark Descent: Scrim's 'Jesus Wept'
Scrim's 'Jesus Wept' is a raw and unfiltered dive into the struggles and vices that plague the artist's life. The title itself, 'Jesus Wept,' references the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35, which signifies deep sorrow and empathy. This sets the tone for the song, suggesting that even divine figures experience profound sadness, paralleling Scrim's own emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life entangled in crime, substance abuse, and existential despair, with Scrim expressing a sense of being lost and forsaken, much like the biblical figure on the cross.
The song's narrative is steeped in the harsh realities of street life. Scrim talks about his involvement in drug dealing and the constant threat of violence, as seen in lines like 'Prescription pills got my eyes low' and 'If I go broke though, bet I'm robbing.' These lines highlight a life where survival often means resorting to illegal activities. The repeated references to drugs, such as 'xanny’s,' 'Roxy 30,' and 'codeine,' underscore a dependency that numbs the pain but also perpetuates a cycle of addiction and self-destruction.
Musically, 'Jesus Wept' is characterized by its dark, brooding beats and aggressive delivery, which mirror the chaotic and grim content of the lyrics. Scrim's style, a blend of Southern rap and horrorcore, amplifies the sense of dread and urgency. The song's repetitive structure, with its recurring 'Flex time, next time' refrain, emphasizes the relentless and cyclical nature of his struggles. Ultimately, 'Jesus Wept' is a stark portrayal of a life on the edge, where fleeting moments of escape through drugs and crime are overshadowed by an overarching sense of hopelessness and despair.