Don't Be Sad

Tate McRae's song 'Don't Be Sad' delves into the emotional turmoil of feeling unseen and unheard. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their emotions, only to be met with dismissive responses. The opening lines, 'I’m sorry, I can’t seem to do anything right,' set the tone for the song, highlighting a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. The protagonist questions their presence and significance, wondering if anyone would notice their absence, which underscores a deep feeling of invisibility and loneliness.

The chorus, with its repetitive advice to 'Don’t be sad, the Sun is shining,' reflects a common but often unhelpful response to someone expressing their struggles. This phrase, meant to be comforting, instead comes off as dismissive, suggesting that the protagonist's feelings are invalid or trivial. The line 'Waiting room is getting crowded, you’re not special' further emphasizes this, indicating a lack of empathy and understanding from those around them. This dismissiveness can exacerbate feelings of isolation and frustration, as the protagonist feels their pain is not taken seriously.

In the second verse, the protagonist expresses a sense of betrayal and misunderstanding, particularly from someone close to them. The internet is described as their 'only friend,' highlighting the isolation they feel in their real-life relationships. The mention of therapy and the reluctance to attend if the dismissive person were present suggests a deep need for genuine support and understanding. The song captures the struggle of dealing with mental health issues in an environment that lacks empathy, making it a poignant commentary on the importance of truly listening and validating others' feelings.