Songs that Speak - Depressed

The latest single from Anne-Marie is called Depressed. I believe the lyrics and sentiment offer us an insight into what is going on for students and young adults. 

Gen Z is desperate for integrity. They want to know something real, trustworthy and reliable in a world that seems to be fake, fickle and impermanent. They want to be honest but they also feel the pressure to say the right thing. They want to “BeReal” but they will pose for the perfect moment. They want to be happy, because that is how Disney has discipled them. They want to be fine and funny because that seems simple and appealing. However, most people experience long periods of sadness, loneliness or emptiness. 

There is a deep pain in this generation who did their teenage years in COVID lockdowns. There is a disappointment that is held and hasn’t been processed or healed. They are also living in a time of spiritual awakening which can also lead to a guttural yearning for something more. Their minds are anxious, their hearts are broken and they are gutted at and by the state of the world. They have no idea what the future holds in terms of jobs, housing or world politics. It’s a scary time to be inheriting your future. 

All of this overwhelm is too much and they have to put on a mask to cope. Even though the cultural narrative is “drop the mask and be real”. Anne-Marie captures this when she sings, “If you ask me how I’m coping, I’m like a minute from disaster. I got so good at pretending that I could win a BAFTA” and “I seem fine but I’m depressed, I look so pretty but I’m a mess”. 

In the biblical encounter with the woman at the well, we see someone who has to wear all the masks to cover up the shame in her life. Jesus sees her in a way that she has never been seen before. He restores her shame to honour, brings life and hope where there was depression and despair. Her response is to run and tell everyone “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29)

This is what we are seeing with so many students giving their lives to Jesus from no Christian background. They have finally been seen, understood and loved. They are known. Known by their creator and saviour. They finally feel safe and can relax, drop the masks and be real. What a relief. I pray that Anne-Marie finds this freedom too along with everyone for whom this song resonates. 

 

Full Lyrics

If you ask a stupid question, Then you'll get a stupid answer

And if you ask if I'm okay I'm unhappy ever after

Hmph!

If you ask me how I'm coping, I'm like a minute from disaster

I got so damn good at pretending, That I could win a BAFTA

 

My world's spinning the wrong way round, Yeah, I'm smiling, but I'm lowkey down

Tryna find something to laugh about, ah

Oh, ain't it funny how

I seem fine but I'm depressed, I look so pretty but I'm a mess

I think I'm immune to happiness

Oh why? Oh, ain't it funny?

I wanna be brave, I'm terrified. To get myself dressed and go outside

I say I'm okay, I'm fine, All jokes aside

If I don't laugh, I'll cry, cry, cry

If I don't laugh, I'll cry, cry, cry, cry, cry

 

I don't want no conversation, I'm not good around new people

I'd rather stick to what I know, And watch Malcolm in the Middle

Feeling lonely when I'm in a crowd, Treading water, trying not to drown

Tryna find something to laugh about, ah. Oh, ain't it funny how

 

I seem fine but I'm depressed, I look so pretty but I'm a mess

I think I'm immune to happiness

Oh why? Oh, ain't it funny?

I wanna be brave, I'm terrified to get myself dressed and go outside

 

I say I'm okay, I'm fine

All jokes aside

If I don't laugh, I'll cry, cry, cry

If I don't laugh, I'll cry, cry, cry, cry, cry

If I don't laugh, I'll cry all night

If I don't laugh, I'll cry for the rest of my f**king life

Luke Smith

National Team Leader (England & Wales)

Since being a student in the late 90s, Luke has worked with university students in the local church to call them be missionaries to their own generation. He leads the Fusion team in England and Wales to keep them sharp in their mission. He believes in good storytelling, God adventures, and not taking ourselves too seriously. He lives in York with his wife, Hannah, and their two lads.

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