Serotonin
Mattias Alkberg Lyrics

The lyrics to Mattias Alkberg's song Serotonin explore the dynamic of a dysfunctional family. The mother and father have contrasting attitudes towards money, with the father wanting to build an extension to the punschverandan (porch) and the mother holding tightly onto their finances. The singer, most likely their child, observes this tension and retreats to their room as the storm outside intensifies.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "förlorar ditt serotonin" (losing your serotonin) multiple times. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that is associated with happiness and well-being. Therefore, the repetition of this phrase can be interpreted as a commentary on the toll that familial conflicts take on a person's mental health. The child observes the deterioration of their family's well-being, as they continue to lose their "serotonin" and spiral deeper into emotional distress.

The second verse describes the family's preparations for the upcoming holiday season. While the mother grants the slaves (probably a reference to the family's domestic workers) time off for the weekend, the father inflates his ego and the child retreats to their room again. Despite their attempts to avoid the storm outside, the family members continue to "live out" in the turmoil.

Overall, the lyrics to Serotonin offer a poignant commentary on the impact of family conflicts on individual well-being. The repeated chorus reinforces the idea that these conflicts can have a significant negative impact on mental health.