Fiona Coyne

"Fiona Coyne" is a deceptive pop gem that masks a narrative of desperation behind an infectious, upbeat disco arrangement. On a literal level, the song is a direct tribute to the character Fiona Coyne from the long-running Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. The lyrics reference specific plot arcs from the show, particularly Fiona's struggles with alcoholism, financial cut-offs, and emotional isolation.

However, beyond the pop-culture reference, the song explores the theme of parasocial relationships and idealization. The narrator is singing to someone who, in reality, cannot hear them—a fictional character. This creates a layer of irony and modern longing, representing the way people form emotional attachments to media figures. The recurring mention of "money problems" and "sleeping in the woods" signifies hitting rock bottom, yet the narrator's response is one of unconditional, perhaps delusional, love. It captures the feeling of wanting to rescue someone who is beyond reach, blurring the lines between reality and the screen.

The narrative begins with a direct address to a romantic interest, acknowledging rumors of their erratic behavior and unstable living situation, specifically mentioning them sleeping outdoors. The protagonist expresses a deep awareness of the subject's financial struggles and personal descent, yet remains undeterred by these chaotic circumstances. Instead of judgment, the speaker offers unwavering support and an intense desire to be the one to save or comfort them.

As the song progresses, the narrator makes a definitive pledge of devotion, refusing to surrender to the difficulties surrounding the relationship. They emphasize that the subject's current hardships—implied to be a significant fall from grace involving money and status—do not diminish the speaker's feelings. The chorus serves as a rhythmic plea for connection, asking if the affection is mutual and begging for a chance to intervene before the subject disappears completely. The lyrics paint a picture of a savior complex intertwined with genuine infatuation, culminating in a persistent, energetic refusal to let the loved one fade away into their troubles.

The song was written, produced, and recorded by Ryan DeRobertis, the artist behind the moniker Skylar Spence. It was originally released in July 2014 as a single on Carpark Records. At the time of release, DeRobertis was still operating under the name Saint Pepsi. "Fiona Coyne," along with the B-side "Fall Harder," marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from sample-based Vaporwave and Future Funk into original pop composition.

DeRobertis was an avid fan of Degrassi: The Next Generation and wrote the song as an ode to the character Fiona Coyne. He noted in interviews that while his earlier work relied heavily on slowing down and chopping up 80s samples, this track featured his own vocals and original instrumentation (though still heavily inspired by the disco sound). The song's success was bittersweet; shortly after its release, the Pepsi corporation threatened legal action over his stage name, forcing him to change his moniker to Skylar Spence (a reference to the Drew survivalist character from the film Everybody Wants Some!!). Thus, "Fiona Coyne" serves as the bridge between the Saint Pepsi era and the Skylar Spence era.

The song is written in a standard 4/4 time signature with a tempo hovering around 120-126 BPM, the sweet spot for disco and house music. The rhythmic drive is relentless, anchored by a 'four-on-the-floor' kick drum pattern.

Lyrically, the song employs a mix of perfect and slant rhymes, often following an AABB or ABAB scheme in the verses. For example, pairing "woods" with "good" (slant) or "in" with "win" (perfect). The vocal rhythm is syncopated, playing against the straight beat of the drums, which adds to the groove. The phrasing is short and punchy, mimicking the staccato nature of the guitar riffs, ensuring the vocals act as another percussive instrument within the mix.

Musically, the song is a masterclass in Nu-disco and French House revivalism. DeRobertis employs Nile Rodgers-esque funk guitar riffs that are bright, choppy, and extremely rhythmic. The production uses heavy side-chain compression, causing the synths and bass to 'pump' or 'duck' in time with the kick drum, creating a dynamic, breathing rhythm characteristic of French House.

Vocally, DeRobertis uses a slightly filtered, layered delivery that sits inside the mix rather than soaring high above it, maintaining a 'lo-fi' or 'bedroom pop' aesthetic despite the polished production. The song also utilizes retro synth patches (specifically distinct brassy synth stabs) that evoke 1980s pop, reinforcing the nostalgic atmosphere. The structure follows a standard pop format but fills the space with dense, shimmering textures that eliminate silence, creating a 'wall of sound' effect associated with Future Funk.

"Fiona Coyne" is widely regarded as a cult classic within the Vaporwave and Future Funk communities. It was critical in legitimizing these internet-born micro-genres as viable avenues for original pop music, rather than just slowed-down samples of 80s hits. Pitchfork and other major publications praised the track, broadening the audience for the artist significantly.

The song also found a niche audience among fans of Degrassi, serving as a strange but beloved crossover between indie music and teen drama fandoms. It remains Skylar Spence's most popular and recognizable song. Historically, it documents the moment the "bedroom producer" moved toward the main stage, influencing a wave of artists on SoundCloud and Bandcamp to start incorporating original vocals and instrumentation into their Nu-disco tracks.

The lyrics utilize specific imagery that functions both as narrative detail and emotional symbol:

• "Sleeping in the woods": While a reference to the character's erratic behavior, this serves as a metaphor for being lost, isolated, or outside of societal safety. It represents a 'wilderness' period in one's life.
• "Money problems": Explicitly referencing the character's loss of wealth, this symbolizes the stripping away of superficial defenses, leaving the subject vulnerable and 'real' to the narrator.
• The Name "Fiona Coyne": The title itself is a symbol of unattainable perfection. By singing to a fictional character, the artist symbolizes a love that is safe because it can never be realized or rejected in the real world.
• "Not giving in": This recurring declaration symbolizes the stubbornness of hope in the face of impossible odds (whether that be the distance between fan and character, or the reality of a partner's self-destruction).

The most significant recurring phrase is "Darling, I'm not giving in." This hook acts as the emotional anchor of the song. Its repetition transforms it from a statement of fact into a mantra of determination. It counters the verses, which describe negative situations (sleeping in woods, money problems), with a positive, unyielding assertion.

Musically, the brass-synth melody that plays during the instrumental breaks is a key motif. It is jubilant and celebratory, providing a stark contrast to the somewhat concerned lyrics about the subject's well-being. This juxtaposition creates the "sad banger" effect—music that makes you dance to a somewhat melancholy story.