Coming from a family of dancers, Ida Just had been drawn to expression and performance. Though singing in choirs as a child allowed her to hone her crystalline vocals, it was only in her early teens, after years of confiding in her journals and channelling her emotions through poetry, that she discovered the euphoria of singing her own words.
Her debut single, “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend” is an exercise in catharsis, seeing Just confront her feelings about a fragmented relationship in the wake of a break-up. ““I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend” is a song about being stuck in limbo. It was the first time I was honest with myself and how I was truly feeling. It was the beginning of accepting the situation and made me realise that I had to be completely transparent with my emotions if I were to ever feel better again.”
Ida Just materialised her vision for her debut release with Danish director, Dolcerocca. She intended for the visuals to reflect her homeland and its identity, filming on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Just wanted to capture a dichotomy of perfection and destruction; fragility and aggression. The dream-like universe built of dramatic, natural landscapes accentuates Just’s intention of showing just how unnatural the relationship was when stood in contrast.
When I'm Gone
Ida Just Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Runs down into the drain
Trying to get rid of the stain
I let water fall on my body
Thinking ‘bout it only hurts
I take a sip to ease my thirst
I dive deep
Floating away in the sea
Leave everything that I know
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Will you think of me
When I’m
Will you forget my name
My mum will call you up
Give you all the blame
Won’t open up my eyes
No oxygen
I’m paralysed
I let water fall on my body
Baby do you even care
When you saw how I was scared
I won’t leave a trace
I’ll disappear into the unknown
I’d rather be alone
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Deep brown eyes
Am I dead or alive?
Am I breathing?
I ain’t breathing
Deep brown eyes
Am I dead or alive?
Am I breathing?
Will you think of me
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Brown eyes
Am I dead or alive?
Am I breathing
(I ain’t breathing)
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
Brown eyes
Am I dead or alive?
Am I breathing
(I ain’t breathing)
Will you think of me
When I’m gone
The lyrics of "When I'm Gone" by Ida Just explore themes of isolation, fear, and the uncertainty of being remembered after one is no longer present. The first verse describes the act of washing away a stain, metaphorically representing the desire to cleanse oneself of emotional pain. The water symbolizes a form of release and renewal, as the singer tries to ease their thirst for relief from their emotional struggles. However, they still can't help but feel the pain when they think about their situation.
In the chorus, the singer questions whether they will be remembered by someone when they are no longer a part of their lives. They express concern about being forgotten and how their absence might affect others around them. The mention of their mother assigning blame suggests a strained relationship or unresolved issues. The lyrics convey a sense of despair, as the singer feels paralyzed and unable to face their current reality.
In the second verse, the singer questions whether their loved one even cares about their struggles. They feel unseen and unheard, as if their fears and anxieties are not being acknowledged. The desire to leave no trace and disappear into the unknown indicates a desire for escape and solitude, highlighting the singer's preference for being alone rather than facing potentially painful situations. They once again ask if the person they are addressing will think of them when they are gone.
The bridge of the song focuses on the singer's deep brown eyes, possibly symbolizing their true essence and sense of self. They question whether they are truly alive or already emotionally dead, emphasizing a disconnect between their physical existence and their inner emotions. The repetition of the question indicates the singer's desperate plea for someone to think of them even after they have gone.
Overall, "When I'm Gone" portrays a sense of loneliness, longing for connection, and fear of being forgotten. The lyrics convey the emotional turmoil within the singer and their search for solace and understanding from those around them, even when they are no longer present.
Line by Line Meaning
I let water fall on my body
I try to cleanse myself from something that has stained me
Runs down into the drain
The water washes away the physical evidence of my pain
Trying to get rid of the stain
I attempt to remove the emotional burden that lingers within me
Thinking ‘bout it only hurts
Reflecting on the situation only brings me more pain
I take a sip to ease my thirst
I seek temporary relief by distracting myself with something else
I dive deep
I immerse myself in my emotions
So no one can see
I hide my vulnerability from others
Floating away in the sea
I mentally detach myself from my surroundings
Leave everything that I know
I leave behind familiarity and comfort
Will you think of me
I wonder if you will remember me
Will you forget my name
I fear being completely erased from your memory
My mum will call you up
My mother will seek answers from you
Give you all the blame
She will hold you responsible for my absence
Won’t open up my eyes
I refuse to face the reality of the situation
No oxygen
I feel emotionally suffocated
I’m paralysed
I am unable to take action due to my emotional state
Baby do you even care
I question whether or not you truly care about me
When you saw how I was scared
I wonder if you noticed my fear and discomfort
I won’t leave a trace
I will make sure there is no evidence of my existence
I’ll disappear into the unknown
I will vanish without a trace, leaving everything behind
I’d rather be alone
I prefer solitude over being surrounded by pain
Deep brown eyes
The color of my eyes, which may reflect my emotions
Am I dead or alive?
I question my own existence and emotional state
Am I breathing?
I question whether or not I am truly living
I ain’t breathing
I feel emotionally suffocated and disconnected from life
Will you think of me
I hope that you will remember me once I am gone
Brown eyes
The color of my eyes, which may hold significance to you
Will you think of me
I wonder if you will keep me in your thoughts
When I’m gone
Once I am no longer here
Will you think of me
I hope that I will have made an impact on your life
When I’m gone
Once I am no longer present in your life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ida Just, Johan Thelin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oliviaanderson3434
Ooooohh I looove this video! It has the most beautiful visuals and prettiest butterflies☺️🦋 This song is a BANGER, can’t wait to follow your journey🥰
@idajust_
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@glensymesfilms
Incredible visuals!
@crystallisingmusic
ahh this is stunning, thank you Ida for creating magic once again 🦋✨
@idajust_
ahhh you're too kind ❤️❤️ THANK YOU!!!
@emilycross5396
Beautiful visuals & colour palette to accompany beautiful lyrics and sound. Especially love the butterfly concept, can't wait to see what's next! x
@tilly.valentine
Stunning!!
@OllieWade
Beautiful for both my eyes and ears 😍
@kalyaluvihare4183
So so so beautifully done 👏💙🌸
@oliviaanderson3434
Urgh, Ida Just never disappoints with her beautiful visuals!!💖