III

Anna B Savage's song 'III' delves into the harrowing experience of dealing with a friend's suicidal tendencies. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil and helplessness that comes with trying to support someone in such a dark place. The opening lines, 'Oh no, no. Not again / I’m ill-equipped, I’m just a friend,' immediately set the tone of desperation and inadequacy. The narrator's attempt to find answers through a simple Google search underscores the feeling of being overwhelmed and unprepared for such a serious situation.

The recurring imagery of the friend only being able to sleep with 'the image of her gun / Between her teeth' is both haunting and heartbreaking. This metaphor starkly illustrates the depth of her despair and the constant presence of suicidal thoughts. The mention of 'her red tightline' adds a visceral, almost graphic element to the narrative, suggesting self-harm or a visual representation of her inner pain. The narrator's anxiety is palpable, especially in lines like 'I don’t know, I don’t know what hurts more / When you cry, or lock the bathroom door,' which capture the constant fear of losing their friend.

Anna B Savage's raw and unfiltered lyrics bring to light the often silent and stigmatized issue of mental health struggles. The song doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable realities, instead, it confronts them head-on, making the listener feel the weight of the situation. The repeated lines and haunting melody further emphasize the cyclical nature of depression and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending loop of despair. 'III' serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassion and understanding in supporting those who are struggling.