Music and art can bring solace to those feeling misunderstood or alone. There are songs out there that are capable of sucking the air from your lungs and forcing you to marvel at the fact that someone fundamentally understands what you’re going through. If you’ve experienced the common side effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic, are you ready for that next song? Enter “Social Stamina” from Rosie.
“I lost touch with all my friends / I’m in bed by 10 p.m., I have no social stamina / I cancel on all my plans, I commit then I don’t answer / I can’t keep up with anyone.” The opening set of lines to this ballad laments the disconnection felt despite living during a time when we’re more connected than ever — to the point of near social exhaustion. Our world is full of parasocial relationships to YouTubers and Instagram influencers, where we keep up with our friends’ lives through their social media instead of phone calls and meet ups. Despite having more access than ever to others, genuine connection is still hard to come by.
The Harvard Gazette wrote about a study that found that the majority of young adults reported high levels of loneliness during the pandemic. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 25, chances are you might be feeling lost and alone too. If this track can offer you comfort, then let it. Rosie, the artist, similarly said: “Let this song serve as a friend and support system as you navigate the highs and lows of life.”
Chandy is a biology major/chemistry minor who's been a staff writer, Arts editor, and Managing Editor at The Cascade. She began writing in elementary school when she produced Tamagotchi fanfiction to show her peers at school -- she now lives in fear that this may have been her creative peak.
