Not Photogenic

Utsu-P's song "Not Photogenic" delves into the internal and external struggles of living authentically in a world that constantly judges and scrutinizes. The lyrics open with the protagonist feeling the pressure to conform because they are always being watched. This societal gaze forces them to put on a facade, even though they have failed to fit in elsewhere. The imagery of crossing a red light at night when no one is watching, only to wait for the green light in the morning with a composed face, symbolizes the duality of their existence—rebellious in solitude but conforming in public.

The song questions the very nature of morality and ethics, pondering whether these concepts exist if no one is there to observe them. The protagonist feels like a "rotten flame" that couldn't become the sun, wasting oxygen without purpose. This metaphor highlights their sense of futility and the constant surveillance that dictates their actions. The lyrics also touch on how anger and sadness are only validated when they serve as news fodder or song material, otherwise, they are just "raw garbage." This reflects the societal tendency to commodify emotions, stripping them of their genuine essence.

The chorus emphasizes the need to "bloom" or conform, driven by the fear of being judged. The protagonist grapples with the idea of living authentically, rejecting the notion of being told to live "like themselves" because they feel they have no true self to begin with. The song concludes with a powerful statement about the limited and conditional nature of love and acceptance in society. Even if one fails and dies, the pressure to conform remains. Utsu-P's poignant lyrics and intense delivery capture the existential angst and societal pressures that many people face, making "Not Photogenic" a deeply resonant and thought-provoking piece.