There was a moment as a senior in college where I pretty much lost control. Ever the formal, by-the-book student, something within me snapped and I found myself rambling and spilling out my innermost thoughts on one of my last ever undergrad reflection assignments. Two hours later, I submitted a mess of jumbled thoughts peppered with more or less made-up words and sentences that ran on longer than any should. Prepared for a less-than-stellar grade on the mess of a reflection I submitted, the professor shocked me with positive feedback and commandment on loosening up.
Even though this was one of the formative moments in my early years of education, I have to admit that I still struggle with releasing control. I’ve been over-thinking just about everything since I was in middle school, and old habits like it sure as hell do die hard. Even though letting go of control often leads to something positive, I still can’t seem to fully convince myself of this truth. This feeling is what the soulful Sara-Danielle tackles in her newest single, “Scared”. The uncertainty of teetering on the edge of the comfortable and familiar, wary of dipping into the murky depths of the unknown that she explores is one that I know I am most certainly not alone in experiencing.
“Got your hands again / On everything you could touch / Got your head again / On worrying too much”
Effortlessly smooth and mellow, she subtly toes the line between acceptance and what could easily be accusing if not for her approach. It is unclear whether she is analyzing the controlling tendencies of herself or another, but the distinction is unnecessary in message. No one likes to admit to themselves or be told of their inclination to control the world, but her succinct lyrics and euphonious vocals produce a combination that is anything but accusatory.
“You’re tired of all this military mindset / You want to fly into unfamiliar places”
Perhaps my favorite line, the dreary realities of wrestling with control becomes so clear when juxtaposed with a release. Knowing that getting caught up in the militancy may not be what is truly best for us isn’t always enough to spur change. She precisely identifies the feeling of freedom of release that is so often tempting, even as shrouded in uncertainty as it so often is.
“You’re scared of losing control / You’re scared of losing control / You’re scared of losing control/ It’s when you lose it that you make the most beautiful things”
What she captures and subtly winds throughout the duration of the song so well is perfectly summed up as the chorus repeats. She beautifully bridges the gap that exists between the fear of releasing your hold on something with the inner struggle for control and power. Smooth and eloquent, it is an excellent reminder to release our grips on control, or, at the very least to loosen our white-knuckled grips. Much like its artist, “Scared” is a soulful, life-filled breath of fresh air that deserves your listening ear.
