It Almost Worked

"It Almost Worked", by TV Girl, delves deeply into the psyche of someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. The song paints a bleak picture of a town where "Everyone looks the same, you can hardly tell the difference," suggesting a monotony and numbness that often accompany depression. This line reflects how the protagonist feels indistinguishable from the rest, blending into a background of uniformity, and losing a sense of individuality.

"She stayed at home and figured out how to will herself out of existence" is a stark portrayal of the character's contemplation of suicide. It speaks volumes about her isolation and desperation, as she attempts to find a way to escape her unbearable reality. The subsequent line, "It almost worked," implies that she survived a suicide attempt, highlighting the gravity of her despair and the fragile line between life and death.

"They lie right to your face in this town, but what did you expect?" This captures the protagonist's cynical view of her community, where deceit and insincerity are the norms. The rhetorical question "but what did you expect?" underscores her disillusionment and resignation to the falsehoods that permeate her surroundings. It's a poignant commentary on the facade people maintain, which exacerbates her sense of alienation.

The lines "She wishes that she could have seen what they saw / That left them so unimpressed" reveal her deep-seated insecurity and desire for validation. She yearns to understand why others view her with such indifference or disdain, contributing to her spiraling mental state. This longing to see herself through others' eyes is a painful introspection into her self-worth.

"So she gave it a try, she started to cry / She said to herself / Well, at least it could have been worse / And it almost worked" describes another suicide attempt. Her tears signify a moment of realization and conflict within herself, acknowledging that despite her suffering, things could indeed be worse. This moment of vulnerability and reluctant hope is juxtaposed with the grim reality that her attempt to end her life nearly succeeded.

The song encapsulates the torment of living with depression, the crushing weight of societal expectations, and the struggle for self-worth. Through its melancholic yet brutally honest lyrics, "It Almost Worked" offers a profound look into the mind of someone grappling with the desire to escape pain, yet ultimately finding a fragile thread of resilience.