Stay High (feat. Diplo & Julia Church)

Hugel's 'Stay High (feat. Diplo & Julia Church)' delves into the emotional turmoil of dealing with a significant loss, likely a romantic relationship. The song's protagonist resorts to staying 'high all the time' as a coping mechanism to keep the painful memories and thoughts of their lost love at bay. This repeated need to stay high underscores a sense of desperation and a struggle to find peace amidst the chaos of their emotions.

The lyrics also highlight a recurring theme of 'play pretend,' where the protagonist immerses themselves in a world of endless fun to escape reality. This metaphorical 'play pretend' world represents a temporary refuge from their emotional pain, a place where they can avoid facing the harshness of their loneliness. However, this escape is fleeting, as they admit they 'can't go home alone again,' indicating a dependency on external means to numb their pain.

The collaboration with Diplo and Julia Church adds layers to the song, with Diplo's production providing a pulsating, almost hypnotic beat that mirrors the cyclical nature of the protagonist's attempts to escape their sorrow. Julia Church's vocals bring a haunting quality to the track, emphasizing the depth of the emotional struggle. The song captures the essence of using temporary highs to mask deeper issues, a theme that resonates with many who have experienced similar feelings of loss and the lengths one might go to avoid confronting their pain.