Dear Wormwood

The Oh Hellos' song 'Dear Wormwood' is a profound exploration of self-awareness and the battle against internal struggles. The lyrics take the listener on a journey from childhood innocence to a mature understanding of one's inner demons. The song begins with the narrator reflecting on their childhood, a time when fears were simple and confined to the realm of imagination, symbolized by the monsters under the bed. This innocence is contrasted with the present, where the narrator has been taught to hide their true beliefs and dreams, viewing them as mere escapes from reality.

As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges the presence of a darker force that has influenced their life, teaching them to be passive and to plan without action. This force is personified as 'Wormwood,' a reference that could be linked to the character from C.S. Lewis's 'The Screwtape Letters,' where Wormwood is a demon tasked with leading humans astray. The narrator's realization of this influence marks a turning point, as they recognize the detrimental impact it has had on their courage and actions, leading them to become something they despise.

The climax of the song is a powerful declaration of self-awareness and defiance. The narrator asserts their understanding of who they are and who they want to be, rejecting the influence of Wormwood. This moment of clarity is both a personal victory and a universal message about the importance of confronting and overcoming one's inner demons. The repeated refrain 'I know who you are now' serves as a mantra of empowerment, signaling the narrator's determination to break free from the negative forces that have shaped their life and to strive for a better, more authentic self.