The song “Except For the Fact That it Isn’t” by Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage is a powerful exploration of mental health, specifically depression and how it can exist within a seemingly normal, everyday life. The song emphasizes the mundane yet essential constructs of our existence like morning routines, nature, work, and physical surroundings, all of which seem to be functioning perfectly. Despite this outward appearance of everything being fine, the protagonist is constantly battling an internal strain, reflecting the insidious reality of mental illnesses.
A prevalent theme in the song is deceptive appearances. The song manipulates common pleasantries and everyday experiences to expose an underlying grim tone. There is a persistent feeling of suffocation and despair that the protagonist is experiencing despite everything in his life appearing perfectly ordinary from the outside.
Additionally, the song captures the hide-and-seek nature of depression. The protagonist admits to suffering but is also engaged in routine activities suggesting an effort to maintain normalcy. This points to the stigma associated with mental health issues; sufferers often feel required to mask their struggles to fit societal standards of normal and healthy.
It contrasts the scenic beauty of nature and the hustle and bustle of human life with feelings of desolation, suggesting isolation in the face of life’s vibrancy. The song also challenges the listener’s understanding of what it means to be fine, showing that ‘looking okay’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘feeling okay’.
Furthermore, a sense of self-punishment or guilt is implied in the lyrics, as the protagonist perceives himself to be “out of his mind” for feeling this way when everything is seemingly fine.
In summary, “Except for the Fact That it Isn’t” provides an earnest portrayal of living with a mental health struggle, constructing an intimate narrative around the invisible burdens borne by individuals on a daily basis. The repeated denial that anything is wrong further emphasizes the pressing need for more understanding and communication when it comes to mental illness. The song, therefore, serves not only as a means of connection for those who may feel similarly, but also as a call to action for more empathetic and open dialogue about mental health.