Burden Boy

In 'Burden Boy,' Yesterday delves deep into the emotional turmoil and existential angst that plagues the protagonist. The song opens with a candid admission of self-destructive habits, such as excessive drinking and drug use, which serve as coping mechanisms for the overwhelming thoughts and feelings. The repeated line, 'My shawty think I drink too much, My homies know I think too much,' highlights the duality of external perceptions and internal struggles. The protagonist's actions, like cracking a 40, rolling a dutch, and popping Ambien, are desperate attempts to numb the pain and find temporary solace.

The chorus reveals a raw and unfiltered expression of the protagonist's suffering. The lyrics, 'You do not know what the fuck that I've been through,' and 'Writin' these songs just to vent 'bout my issues,' underscore the cathartic nature of songwriting as a means to process and articulate inner turmoil. The mention of missing someone and the desire to escape from feelings further accentuates the depth of the protagonist's emotional pain. The imagery of putting 'my head to the steel' suggests a contemplation of suicide, reflecting the severity of the despair.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's sense of isolation becomes more pronounced. The lines, 'My hair is blonde, My heart is black, These bitches never hit me back,' paint a picture of someone who feels disconnected and abandoned. The act of walking alone through familiar places that no longer feel like home symbolizes a loss of belonging and identity. The repeated desire to 'drink my life away' and the plea to 'let me rest in peace' convey a longing for an end to the suffering. 'Burden Boy' is a poignant exploration of mental health struggles, loneliness, and the search for relief from an unrelenting emotional burden.