Meaning of It’s Okay by Lorde

The Lorde song titled 'It's Okay' delves into the depths of emotional pain and personal struggles. The song explores the theme of self-harm, addiction, depression, and the desire for escape. It presents a raw and honest portrayal of the artist's inner turmoil and the complexities of mental health.One notable lyric is "I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel." This line captures the desperation and self-destructiveness that can arise from emotional pain. It speaks to the idea of craving validation or confirmation of one's existence, even if it means resorting to harmful actions. This theme of seeking validation is reinforced by the line "Don't wanna scream or shout." It suggests a desire to silently bear the pain, to internalize it, and avoid drawing attention to oneself.Another significant lyric is "Fake family and friends around to claim they know me, really, if they did, I wouldn’t be as stressed or feel so lonely." This lyric explores the theme of betrayal and the struggle of feeling misunderstood and isolated. It suggests that despite the presence of people who pretend to understand and support, true connection and understanding seem elusive. This theme highlights the pain of feeling alone, even in the company of others.The line "Advil PM as a substitute for xans, don't make me angry, make me sleepy" introduces the theme of addiction and the reliance on substances as a form of escape. It reflects the artist's desire for tranquility and an escape from the overwhelming emotions. This theme of seeking solace in various forms is further expanded upon with the line "Broken past will make you live your present life with no concerns about the future." It suggests that past traumas and hardships can create a sense of detachment from the present and a loss of hope for the future. This theme reveals the struggle of finding purpose and meaning when weighed down by the weight of the past.The lyric "Tryna leave it all is cocaine when what you wanted was a novacane" delves into the theme of self-medication and using substances to numb pain. It speaks to the desire for a numbing effect, a temporary escape from the constant emotional turmoil. This notion ties in with the overarching theme of seeking relief and a respite from the intense emotions experienced.The song also touches upon the theme of mental health stigma with the line "I only blame a few, I ain't been reachin out, but then again, reactions, the reasons words fail to leave my mouth." This lyric highlights the difficulty of expressing one's struggles and the fear of being dismissed or misunderstood. It explores the internal battle of wanting to share the pain but feeling trapped by the inability to articulate it, which can further perpetuate feelings of isolation.In summary, 'It's Okay' by Lorde delves into profound themes of self-harm, addiction, depression, and the yearning for escape. Each lyric adds depth to these themes, exploring concepts of validation, betrayal, isolation, addiction, and mental health stigma. While the song delves into dark subject matter, it also serves as a platform for open discussions about mental health, providing a sense of understanding and empathy to those who may resonate with the lyrical content. Ultimately, the song seeks to shed light on the complexities of emotional pain and reminds listeners that it's okay to acknowledge and address these struggles in their own lives.