In some ways, it’s the same sort of theme that's been on Ray's mind since he first launched the ever-evolving project—which began with a series of no-fi punk songs recorded at home with friends. The world doesn’t matter, life is inherently painful, but you always find a way forward amidst the bleakness. For his part, at 31, he finally feels grown-up, and a little more self-assured—his new songs offer less of the desperate emotional thrashing of his youth.
Alex
Teen Suicide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when she wants to die
the whole world sits and waits 'til she doesn't want to die
her brother's (?) only 16
skipping class to smoke weed
in her brother's house, who saw it on TV
off the stem of her brother's crack pipe
Alex is my friend
meet up after school
her brother knows a guy who can sell me lots of pills
lying on her back
she says she wants to die
she buys a gram of coke and she doesn't want to die
summer stars make for a blackened sky
wonder where Alex is tonight?
The song "Alex" by Teen Suicide tackles the sensitive theme of depression and suicide. The lyrics revolve around a character named Alex who struggles with the desire to end her life. The lyrics convey that people around her are aware of her situation as the "whole world sits and waits 'til she doesn't want to die." Despite the concern of others, Alex feels like the only way out is to succumb to her depression.
The lyrics also mention Alex's brother, who seems to be going through issues of his own, resorting to drugs as a way to cope with life. Alex's brother's addiction is portrayed in the song through the line "in her brother's house, who saw it on TV, and the [?] comes to the window and shines off the stem of her brother's crack pipe." This line suggests that Alex's brother is using drugs even in front of her, which could add to her distress.
Later in the song, the lyrics suggest that Alex gets involved in using drugs herself but then has a change of heart. The line, "lying on her back, she says she wants to die, she buys a gram of coke and she doesn't want to die," portrays a moment of weakness that led to a decision that Alex may later regret. The lyrics also suggest that Alex's whereabouts cannot be determined as summer skies turn black, leaving others to wonder where she is and if she is safe.
Line by Line Meaning
Alex is the best
Alex is a person who is admired and respected
when she wants to die
Alex has suicidal tendencies and feels like ending her life
the whole world sits and waits 'til she doesn't want to die
Everyone is worried about Alex's suicidal thoughts and waits for her to overcome them
her brother's (?) only 16
Alex has a younger brother who is only 16 years old
skipping class to smoke weed
Alex's younger brother skips school to smoke weed
in her brother's house, who saw it on TV
The incident of Alex's brother smoking weed was seen on TV by others
and the [?] comes to the window and shines
Some unidentified thing or person comes to the window and shines a light
off the stem of her brother's crack pipe
The source of light is the stem of Alex's brother's crack pipe
Alex is my friend
The artist is friends with Alex
meet up after school
The artist and Alex plan to meet after school
her brother knows a guy who can sell me lots of pills
Alex's brother knows someone who can sell the singer a large quantity of pills
lying on her back
Alex is lying down on her back
she says she wants to die
Alex expresses her desire to die
she buys a gram of coke and she doesn't want to die
Alex uses drugs (cocaine) which make her feel like not wanting to die
summer stars make for a blackened sky
During summer nights, the sky appears to be darkened by the stars
wonder where Alex is tonight?
The artist wonders where Alex is at that moment
Contributed by Mila G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Callie S
when this came out i was in the 8th grade and i had to listen to it every day before i went to school and then on the bus on the way home too. my parents absolutely hated that my favorite band was named “teen suicide”.
Wise Man
This band is criminally under rated
Elaine Jaye
they get better with every album. I'm super proud of them!
Vincent M.
i listened to this song on my last shroom trip... it was wonderful :)
Rетгo
I want them to get noticed for their amazing music, but i feel special when i'm one of the few who do listen to them.
MouthlyKnives
the whole album is sososo awesome!!! everyone go support it n stuff !
Danny Esteban
just found out about you guys loving this sound. Makes me think of somewhere at the end of time
Gregory
so i met this cute girl last Friday afternoon at my schools running club practice. and the memory of her is attached to this song:)
YAM YAM YAM
How'd that turn out Gregory
WAR DAILY
@YAM YAM YAM they’re now married Nd have 2 kids