Depression, anxiety and insecurity are the three topics addressed in The 1975’s new song “Frail State of Mind.” This song depicts the mindset of someone struggling with depression and anxiety; the thoughts they have regularly are scary and emotionally draining.
As someone who struggles with major depression and anxiety, this song and its lyrics spoke to me. Frontman Matty Healy has written an abundance of songs, many of which have had words that spoke to me on a deeply personal level, but this one might take the cake.
“I’m sorry that I missed your call,” Healy sings in the opening verse. “I watched it ring/ ‘Don’t waste their time’ /I’ve always got a frail state of mind.”
This opening verse is profoundly lyrical, singing about how people who struggle with these depressing and anxious thoughts tend to, at times, avoid social interaction. I find myself doing this all the time; as social as I am, there are times when I cannot find the courage to talk to people or “go outside” (the opening lyrics in verse one) and face the world.
The second verse hits home. To me, this is arguably the most relatable lyric in modern music.
“Stay at mine, you might just like it,” Healy sings. “Might stop you being miserable/ ‘Nah, I’m alright… Nah trust I’m fine’ /Just dealing with a frail state of mind.”
Whenever anybody checks up on me, I always revert to my typical response, “I’m fine,” even when said person knows I am not. I cannot bring myself to tell them how I am truly feeling. My close friends, who are being depicted here in the verse, can tell when something is wrong, but admitting something is truly wrong is the hardest part.
The vulnerability it takes to write this song and then perform it is honorable; Healy writes these songs to help not only other people but also himself. He has been open with the public about the things he deals with and what he is going through. It is admirable he can stand up on a stage and perform such an intimate and vulnerable song.
I love this song; from the instrumental base of a modern jazz sound to the lyrics, it is nothing shy of amazing. The funny thing is, the three singles released from their upcoming album, “Notes on a Conditional Form,” have been three completely different songs. “The 1975” is a spoken word climate initiative narrated by Greta Thunberg, “People” is a Slipknot-esque, screamo punk-rock song, and “Frail State of Mind” is a slow, jazz-like lyrical masterpiece.
Let us continue praising The 1975, the ultimate band of our generation.
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