Lithium
Evanescence
Song name- Lithium
Song Album- The Open Door
Music Band- Evanescence
Singer/ Songwriter- Amy Lee
Genre- Metal, Alternative/ Indie, Rock
Released- December 4,2006
Director- Paul Fedor
Producer- Dave Fortman
Well, I have been swinging amidst the everlasting cycle of happiness and sorrow for years!; without a sip of musical fizz!; till my ears get enchanted by the taste of Lithium.
“Lithium” is a song by the American rock band, Evanescence which has been applauded for its taste of music and work. The title of the song, “Lithium” has sparked many debates. Likewise, some believe that it is the drug used to treat psychological disorders, such as Bipolar disorder, while many fans say that it was a homage to singer, Lee’s boyfriend at that time.
However, Lee once said, “Lithium is definitely a metaphor, I felt like I was in love with my sorrow, I get into these moods where I write music, it’s not about so much about being depressed; it’s just the strange low that I ride, but at the same time I want to be free and break through and be happy.” So the singer has lived with sorrow so long that losing it now would be like losing her breath; “Lithium, don’t wanna lock me up inside, Lithium, don’t wanna forget what it feels without, Lithium, I wanna stay in love with my sorrow.”
Likewise, Lithium is on the one hand a mood stabiliser; on the other hand the lyrics bring out the uncertain sensations of the human mind which rotate amidst the juxtaposed cycle of the “possibility of happiness” and the “comfort of sorrow”. However, according to my vision, the song describes symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome as well; where the singer is on the brink of the mental imbalance by ultimately falling for mirages of the Janus-faced illusions of the comfort zone of sorrow.
Not only was the uncertainty of human emotions but also the “Lithium” visual cues up amidst the biting weather of the season of Winter by adding emphasis to the remaining cold war of human psychology. If you watch the song’s official music video, you’ll see that Amy Lee is trying to fight for herself. She also has two versions of herself in the music video, the sad Lee and the happy Lee. Throughout the song, the heroine picture of the singer is presented as she navigates from her identity crisis to a realisation of herself where she accepts her love for sadness being at a stage to let it go and move to a different part of her life. Moreover, the debris of the crisis of “Lithium” is created when the whitely dressed Lee dives into a black watered lake; by showing the power of mental instability which pulls strings throughout the strength of the human body to make it a parasite of the mental intoxication of Lithium; “Just didn’t drink enough to say you love me.” Moreover, the anaphora which has been generated through the repetition of “Lithium” with the three syllabled vocals of Lee adds a zippy tune; by proving the scientific truth of the reactions of Lithium with neutral substances. Such was the explosion which has been forcing the critics to be surrendered amidst the realm of “Lithium”; the musical masterpiece of the 21st century.
Finally, let’s have an understanding about the structure of songs in relation to, “Lithium”;
1.Intro: The beginning of the song that sets the tone and introduces the musical theme. In “Lithium,” the intro establishes a melancholic and reflective atmosphere.
2. Verse: The verse is where the story or message of the song is typically conveyed. In “Lithium,” the verses contain lyrics that express feelings of pain, confusion, or inner turmoil, reflecting the theme of emotional struggles and seeking solace.
3. Chorus: The chorus is the catchiest and most memorable part of the song, often containing the main message or title. In “Lithium,” the chorus emphasises the idea of finding refuge or escape through the metaphor of “Lithium.”
4. Pre-Chorus (optional): This part can serve as a buildup to the chorus, creating anticipation and enhancing the impact of the main message. It’s not always present, but if it is, in “Lithium,” it intensifies the emotional impact of the chorus.
5. Bridge: The bridge provides a contrast to the rest of the song and offers new perspective or insight. In “Lithium,” the bridge introduces a shift in tone or emotion, adding depth to the song’s narrative and allowing the listener to reflect on the lyrics.
6. Outro: The conclusion of the song, often a repeat of the chorus or a fading resolution. In “Lithium,” the outro leaves the listener with a sense of closure and contemplation.
7.BPM (Beats Per Minute)- “Lithium” is a moody song with a tempo of 118 BPM. It can also be used half-time at 59 BPM or double-time at 236 BPM. The track runs 3 minutes and 44 seconds long.
Additionally,
Legato- refers to playing or singing connected notes with minimal separation between them. In “Lithium,” legato is used to convey a sense of flowing emotions, emphasizing the reflective nature of the lyrics. When Amy Lee sings lines like, “Don’t wanna let it lay me down this time,” a legato vocal delivery could help express the vulnerability and emotional weight.
Staccato- involves playing or singing notes with a distinct separation between them, creating a more punctuated effect. In “Lithium,” staccato is used to add emphasis to certain words, creating a sense of urgency or intensity. For instance, the line, “I can’t hold on to me”
Reviewed by: Miss Pasini Bhagya, Project Manager, AISELA