Have you ever secretly wanted to be somebody else?
Martha Hill explores this concept in her new song, “Wallflower.” Her energy in this song is terrifyingly, yet wonderfully, infectious! The lyrics, honest and commanding, hit home for anybody who’s ever felt social anxiety and a need to fit in, to be somebody different. In today’s age of social media, it’s so easy to compare yourself to others and feel inferior. Martha Hill explores this issue in her lyrics, crafting the shameful story of self-doubt hidden within all of us.
You like to sleep alone
When there’s nobody home
Makes you feel like you could be anyone else
When there’s no mirror on the wall
I’m sure anyone who’s ever scrolled through Instagram has come across a picture that makes them feel a bit mediocre. Perhaps it’s a picture of an old college friend backpacking across Europe, or an Instagram model’s healthy kale breakfast smoothie. You come across this picture and, in the back of your mind, pangs of jealousy creep in. This inferiority festers in your psyche, slowly picking away at your self-esteem, until you’re changing yourself to be more like the Instagram models you follow.
You like to think you’re just a wallflower
Creeping around me in the dark
Martha Hill’s beautifully husky voice adds to the song’s powerful vibe. The emotion exuding from Hill’s vocals aids in creating a distinguishing sense of determination, confidence, and perhaps even a bit of rebellion. Maybe rebellion against those who so easily change themselves to fit the status quo, or against a society that creates vulnerable individuals so willing to change.
It’s as though Martha Hill is exposing the secret desires of these individuals, line-by-line divulging another tidbit of discreet yearning to be somebody else.
You like to daydream
Looking out the car window
Makes you feel like you could be anywhere else
But you’re not there at all
I’m always amazed when a contemporary song or an artist clicks with me, because I tend to gravitate towards older music. However, Martha Hill is definitely a contemporary artist I’ll be exploring more, because her powerful presence inspires me to embrace my own inner strength. I love the rock vibe in this song; the hints of a bluesy guitar and the upbeat indie pop/rock sound is simply satisfying and delightful to hear!
The obvious talent of Martha Hill, the song’s catchy tune, gritty guitar riffs, and her powerful observations entangle together, creating a clever anthem for those unsatisfied with their life, wishing for something more. The story of anxiety and dissatisfaction with one’s self found in “Wallflower” is quite disheartening, yet the melody paired with Hill’s powerful vocals creates an exciting vibe that gets you pumped up and ready to take on the world.
