Swimming In Circles, Mac Miller
Mac Miller was such a great artist who made us love, grieve, and cry to his music and made us all feel like he was a friend helping us through those difficult stages in life. Miller released his album on August 3rd, 2018, called ‘Swimming in Circles’ which is a mix of melodic and beautiful songs. Diving into the mental state of someone who seems to be lost; this album is an exploration of both his deepest and shallowest feelings. Every song is how the artist’s music has evolved since the raspy “fun K.I.D.D album. His album is a bit of Frank Ocean or even Tyler, the creator-esque lyrical project.
The album begins with the perfect song, “Come Back to Earth’, the pace is gentle, and the listener can establish his struggles with depression and addiction, ‘I just need a way out’, ‘I’ll do anything for a way out”. These lyrics reflect how lost he is, yet he still describes how he was drowning but now he is Swimming. Miller details his struggles to stay afloat and not drown in his dark issues.
Through his song Come Back to Earth, the artist is expressing how he wants to find a way out and that is how he describes his desire to get better through “Self-Care”. Looking back at the music video for “Self-Care’, he describes how he is trapped in a box and just sings through the whole video. This song was released when Miller was discussing his thoughts, especially how he feels like he is the biggest threat is himself. He shares the emotional rollercoaster not only towards himself but also even towards others. The third song I believe was such a Banger and it describes how Mac Miller is trying to build up his wings, “never felt so damn good where I’m at’. This song is about how these wings will get him to see the light again even if you may get lost in the process, you will find a way out. Miller Utters these words with the little instrumental in the background, as he speaks straight to his audience, it leaves us as listeners thinking about the lyrics. It’s the type of song you need to listen to on repeat, to fully get yourself to say “Well, I’m listening to that again’.
Swimming is a great art expression of Mac Miller’s experience as you go through these different emotions, from grief to heartbreak to self–care. This album was able to deliver on every intellectual level, Mac Miller provides a unique and nearly out-of-body instrumental experience. He preaches how prioritizing you and finding peace is important, and by learning from your own experiences you tend to grow as individuals.
Mac Miller will always remain the greatest musician and regardless of his struggles, he is someone people could look up to and heal through his songs, I believe that was my case, he helped me understand how it is okay to feel lost and feel like sometimes the world is against you and you will struggle. Regardless, you will always find a way through the darkness and let your story make you stronger.
Swimming in Circles
Mac Miller, Thank you.