Beartooth's song "Clever" serves as a poignant exploration of the intricate dynamics surrounding coping mechanisms and the profound struggle with mental health issues. The lyrics, expressed in bold, offer a raw and introspective examination of the internal turmoil experienced by the narrator as they grapple with concealing their vulnerabilities behind a facade of cleverness.
From the onset, the song sets a somber tone as the narrator acknowledges their tendency to "hide behind" their "cadence" and the metaphorical "wall" they've constructed to shield themselves from exposing their weaknesses. This vivid imagery underscores the internal conflict of concealing one's struggles while striving to maintain a semblance of strength and composure.
Throughout the song, the narrator confronts the notion of being clever as a "safety net," utilizing it as a defense mechanism to deflect understanding and evade confronting their inner turmoil head-on. Lines such as "I'm breaking, but the lie is what I sell" poignantly depict the internal struggle of projecting a facade of well-being while internally crumbling under the weight of their struggles.
The juxtaposition of feeling content amidst battling with mental health issues is eloquently expressed in lines like "When my happiness is hanging by a thread, I finally feel content." This paradoxical sentiment encapsulates the narrator's conflicted emotions and the fleeting solace found in their coping mechanisms amid the relentless struggle.
As the song progresses, the narrator delves into their feelings of inadequacy and despair, expressing a sense of being "messed up and inconsistent" in their head and grappling with the belief that their passing would only serve to benefit others. This introspective examination sheds light on the profound impact of mental health struggles on one's sense of self-worth and purpose.
Ultimately, "Clever" by Beartooth offers a raw and introspective glimpse into the intricate layers of mental health and coping mechanisms. Through its emotive lyrics and evocative delivery, the song provides a poignant narrative that sheds light on the internal struggles individuals face in navigating their mental well-being amidst the pressures of presenting a facade of strength and resilience.
