Listen first
Depression, addiction references, emotional distress, veiled self-harm
Detailed Analysis
These lyrics deal heavily with mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional suppression. The song references an inability to cope, possible medication dependence (implied through censored references to pills/substances), and hints at suicidal ideation ('if I keep taking these-, I won't be here'). There is no explicit language, sexual content, or graphic violence, but the themes of addiction, self-harm risk, and mental health crisis are significant. The emotional weight and complexity of these topics — particularly the veiled references to medication misuse and feelings of hopelessness — make this more suitable for teens who are mature enough to process these themes constructively, ideally with adult guidance.
Themes
mental health
depression
addiction
emotional suppression
hopelessness
self-medication
Lyrics
Mm-mm, mm-mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, uh I can't breathe (Chopsquad), I can't breathe, 999 Waiting for the exhale I toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well I can't breathe, I'm waiting for the exhale Toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well Still no luck, but oh well I still try even though I know I'm gon' fail Stress on my shoulders like a anvil - got me itching like a anthill - killing me softly, Lauryn Hill Sometimes I don't know how to feel Ring-ring, phone call from depression You used my past and my memories as a weapon On the other line, I talk to addiction, huh Speaking of the devil, all the-, I miss them This can't be real, is it fiction? Somethin' feels broke, need to fix it I cry out for help, do they listen? I'ma be alone until it's finished This is the part where I tell you I'm fine, but I'm lyin' I just don't want you to worry This is the part where I take all my feelings and hide 'em 'Cause I don't want nobody to hurt me I can't breathe, I'm waiting for the exhale Toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well Still no luck, but oh well I still try even though I know I'm gon' fail It's stress on my shoulders like a anvil - got me itching like a anthill - killing me softly, Lauryn Hill Sometimes I don't know how to feel Sometimes I don't know how to feel Let's be for real If it wasn't for the-, I wouldn't be here But if I keep taking these-, I won't be here, yeah I just told y'all my secret, yeah It's tearing me to pieces, eh I really think I need them I stopped taking the- and now the- take me This is the part where I tell you I'm fine, but I'm lyin' I just don't want you to worry This is the part where I take all my feelings and hide 'em 'Cause I don't want nobody to hurt me I can't breathe, I'm waiting for the exhale Toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well Still no luck, but oh well I still try even though I know I'm gon' fail It's stress on my shoulders like a anvil - got me itching like a anthill - killing me softly, Lauryn Hill Sometimes I don't know how to feel
Remember: You know your child best. Use LyricsRay as a tool to inform your decisions, but always trust your parental instincts and family values when determining what's right for your children.
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Analysis performed on September 8, 2026