Ellie describes herself as more of a Pop artist than a Country one, however I have come across Ellie in the Country world as she has an appreciation of the genre. She has released “Sad Girl” a very vulnerable and exposing song which hits a striking resonance.
“I wrote Sad Girl when I was feeling really down and unhappy. I felt so guilty about it because there’s nothing wrong with my life, and I know others in this world have it worse than me, but what’s going on in my head makes me feel that there is something wrong with my life. It’s so hard feeling down when you don’t even know why you feel that way, so this song is me expressing that.
I want people to relate to my music on a deep level, I want others to realise they aren’t alone with whatever they are feeling. I also want my music to be a place where people can escape to when life becomes too much in this overwhelming world we live in. I would love nothing more than people singing my lyrics back at me.”
This context is relatable to many and is perhaps why the song also resonates through its lyrics. It’s clear that music, both writing and performing is therapeutic and a way of expressing and processing our internal feelings, something that many people find hard to do.
“All my life I’ve been empty
All my life I’ve been broken
I don’t know what to do to feel happy or to Love myself or anyone else
I’m disconnected from my body
My mind is in another world (I don’t know where).”
The first verse depicts the feelings, loneliness and isolation in these moments. These feelings can take such a hold that we literally “don’t know what to do to feel happy or to love myself or anyone else.” Sometimes this creates despair and a feeling of insecurity, knowing that we should be able to make ourselves happy, and are capable of love.
The pre chorus details “But I know I can’t be the only one” and I think this a very important realisation in the song. We are not here to suffer alone or in silence. Many people find solace in music, whether it be the lyrics and its phrasing, or simply the melodies and instrumentals.
“I’m a sad sad girl
In this big wide world
I’m a sad sad girl
I don’t even know myself.”
The chorus reinforces the nothing of self loathing with reference to being a “sad sad girl” even repeating it almost like an affirmation. However the fact that we’re referencing a double negative should be seen as a positive in many ways. Most poignantly it demonstrates self awareness in our emotions, and that is always the hardest part, acknowledging.
“I’ve done things that aren’t healthy
I’m a product of my environment
I’m Angry, selfish and clingy
but I never help myself.”
The second verse starts with a comment that most, if not all of us will resonate with. Being a “product of my environment” is an interesting stance and lends itself to the nature vs nurture debate. Reference to the characteristics and emotions again demonstrates self awareness when feeling lost and contradicts the last remark of “never help myself” because in understanding yourself and your emotions, you’re learning how to handle yourself as much as the circumstance.
The next pre chorus details about having regrets, who doesn’t! It also references remorse and even the darkest of thoughts, “I almost feel like I don’t deserve to see the sun.” However dark and hard times are, it’s always worth remembering that there are better times and that your feelings are valid but temporary.
The song returns to the chorus, again repeating the affirmation of being a “sad sad girl”. Of course gender in this song is irrelevant because these feelings and emotions wash over us all at some point.
“But I feel guilty coz my life is fine
But I feel like I’m dying inside
Try to catch my breath as I run out of time
And I know when I die I’ll regret
letting my self feel this way
But I think to myself
I deserve this pain
What a sad sad shame
for a sad sad girl.”
The song concludes with the bridge, showing guilt, realising that there are others who are also in similar scenarios. We can become overwhelmed with and feel like we’re running out of breath. We can overanalyse things in the moment, yet equally not think clearly. No one deserves to feel the level of pain suggested in the song, and if you ever feel like that, please do reach out for support. There are people out there who love and appreciate you for who you are.
“Sad Girl” was released on 6th September 2024 with the acoustic version being released 25th October 2024. Both are now available to download, purchase and stream from your usual music platforms. Please do also check out Ellie on her social media too.
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