Away From Me

Shiah Maisel's song 'Away From Me' is a powerful anthem of resilience and self-assertion. The lyrics delve into the struggles of dealing with personal and professional challenges, highlighting the artist's journey through adversity. The opening lines, 'It's too hard to open my eyes / I'm blind to the light from the sky,' set a somber tone, reflecting a period of darkness and difficulty. This imagery of blindness to light symbolizes a state of being overwhelmed and unable to see a way forward.

The song's narrative progresses to reveal a story of hard work and perseverance. Maisel sings about working tirelessly to prove something, only to face burnout and the realization that his efforts seem unappreciated. The lines 'Burning out now that I can't do shit for weeks, guess I proved nothing / And everybody wants my work for free, I know you have the money' express frustration with exploitation and the lack of recognition for his hard work. This sentiment is a common experience for many artists and professionals who feel undervalued and taken advantage of.

Despite these challenges, the chorus of the song is a declaration of reclaiming one's worth and refusing to be exploited any longer. 'But all my work you can't take that away, away from me' is a powerful statement of ownership and pride in one's achievements. The repetition of 'away from me' emphasizes the determination to protect what is rightfully his. The song also touches on themes of self-discovery and transformation, as seen in the lines 'I lost myself, now I am fully disguised / My heart got pushed up, so I put it on ice.' This suggests a period of emotional numbness and self-preservation, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of self.

'Away From Me' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of valuing one's own work and worth. It resonates with anyone who has faced exploitation and emerged stronger, ready to reclaim their power and identity.