Sick Boy

"Sick Boy" by The Chainsmokers is a departure from their previous romantic and often apathetic love songs, delving into darker, more introspective themes. The song serves as a critique of modern American society, focusing on the struggle for self-identity in a world dominated by social media and superficiality. The duo, Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, have explained that the track is about the 'struggle of self identity in a crazy world' and dealing with the anxiety that comes with it.

A central theme is the concept of narcissism and the validation sought through social media, encapsulated in the poignant question, 'How many likes is my life worth?'. This line directly addresses the phenomenon of measuring self-worth through online engagement, a pressure the artists themselves have felt. The lyrics contrast the 'East side of America,' where 'pride' is chosen over 'character,' with the 'West side,' where 'lies' are spun into 'fairy dust,' likely a critique of political and media landscapes, respectively. This creates a picture of a culturally divided yet collectively flawed America.

The song also touches on feelings of self-inflicted isolation with the line, 'I live in a prison that I build myself, it is my religion.' This suggests that the pressures and anxieties are not just external but are also internalized, becoming a part of one's belief system. However, the song is not meant to be a message of retreat but rather one of empowerment. By embracing the label of 'sick boy,' the narrator is intended to be seen as owning their identity and standing firm in the face of judgment. It's a declaration of self-acceptance in a world that is quick to label and criticize.

The song begins by establishing a sense of place and cultural critique, with the narrator identifying as being from the 'East side of America,' a region where, as the lyrics suggest, pride is often valued more than genuine character. This sets up a theme of superficiality and societal division. Immediately, this is contrasted with the 'West side of America,' which is depicted as a place where 'lies are spun into fairy dust,' likely a critique of the media and entertainment industries centered there, particularly Hollywood, and their role in creating false narratives. Despite these regional differences and the ability to 'pick sides,' the narrator asserts a unifying 'this is us,' suggesting these flaws are part of a collective American identity.

The pre-chorus shifts the focus to a more personal and psychological plane, warning against 'narcissism' where everyone is projecting an image and expects to be listened to without truly listening in return. This leads to a powerful confession: 'Make no mistake, I live in a prison that I built myself, it is my religion.' This line reveals a deep sense of self-inflicted isolation and entrapment, where one's own mindset and behaviors have become a confining belief system.

The chorus delivers the central theme of the song, where the narrator is labeled the 'sick boy.' This label is presented as an easy judgment from those who don't take risks or challenge the status quo. The song then ironically welcomes the listener to the 'narcissism' where people are 'united under our indifference,' a poignant commentary on a society that finds common ground in apathy. A recurring and haunting question is posed: 'How many likes is my life worth?' This directly confronts the modern-day metric of self-worth as defined by social media engagement, questioning its validity and the toll it takes on an individual's sense of self.

The second verse revisits the 'East side of America,' this time pointing out how the population is 'desensitized by hysteria,' suggesting a culture overwhelmed by sensationalism to the point of emotional numbness. Again, the idea of picking sides is mentioned, but ultimately dismissed with the unifying 'this is us.'

The bridge features a repeated declaration, 'I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy,' which transforms from what might initially be perceived as an insult into a defiant statement of self-acceptance. By embracing this label, the narrator reclaims it from the critics and owns their perceived flaws as part of their identity. This recurring motif, repeated over the contrasting geographical call-outs of the East and West sides of America, reinforces the idea that this feeling of being an outsider or 'sick' is a widespread and shared experience in contemporary American culture.

Ultimately, the song is a raw and honest exploration of the anxieties and pressures of modern life, particularly for a generation that has come of age in the era of social media. It's a critique of a culture that often values image over substance, and a personal reflection on the struggle to maintain a genuine sense of self in the face of these pressures. The song doesn't offer easy answers but rather encapsulates the feeling of being caught in this modern dilemma, and through its dark and anthemic sound, provides a sense of empowerment in acknowledging and confronting these struggles.

"Sick Boy" was released on January 17, 2018, as the lead single from The Chainsmokers' second studio album of the same name. The song marked a significant artistic shift for the duo, moving towards a darker and more aggressive sound with a more personal and 'loaded' message. The creation of the song was influenced by the duo's experiences with fame and their observations of their generation's interaction with social media. In an interview, they stated that the song reflects the things they've seen around America and the way kids interact with each other.

The writing process for "Sick Boy" was a collaborative effort between The Chainsmokers (Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall), Tony Ann, and Emily Warren, with production handled by The Chainsmokers and Shaun Frank. The duo was partly inspired by their work with Coldplay's Chris Martin on the song "Something Just Like This." Martin's approach to songwriting, which focuses on the character and message of a song, encouraged them to be more conscious of the value and story they were adding with their music, rather than just aiming for a catchy tune.

The song was a departure from their previous work, and they acknowledged that it was a risk to push their music out of its comfort zone. The decision to create a 'building album,' releasing singles throughout 2018 that would eventually form the full 'Sick Boy' album, was a strategic one to keep their music current in a fast-moving industry.

The rhyme scheme in "Sick Boy" is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets and simple end rhymes which contributes to its catchy, pop-like quality. For instance, in the first verse, 'character' rhymes with 'America' in a slant rhyme, and 'dust' with 'us' in the following lines. The pre-chorus uses a rhyme scheme of AABB with 'narcissism' rhyming with 'listen to 'em' and 'prison' with 'religion'. This simple and direct rhyme scheme makes the lyrics memorable and impactful.

The song's rhythm is characterized by a driving and insistent beat, particularly in the chorus, which gives it an anthemic feel. The tempo is moderately fast, creating a sense of urgency and restlessness that aligns with the lyrical themes of anxiety and societal pressure. The percussive elements, combined with low synthesizers, create a feeling of being in a battle, which enhances the song's theme of conflict and defiance. There's a notable interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm, with Drew Taggart's vocal delivery often syncopated against the main beat, adding to the song's dynamic and edgy feel.

"Sick Boy" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to convey its message of social commentary and personal angst.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Blending: The track blends elements of pop, electropop, and EDM, but with a darker, more aggressive tone than The Chainsmokers' previous work. Some critics have even compared its moody, synth-driven sound to the style of Twenty One Pilots.
• Dynamic Shifts: The song utilizes dynamic shifts to build tension and create emotional impact. It moves from quieter, more contemplative verses to a powerful and anthemic chorus. This musical crescendo mirrors the building frustration and eventual defiant release in the lyrics.
• Vocal Delivery: Drew Taggart's vocal delivery is notably more aggressive and raw than in previous songs, reflecting the anger and frustration expressed in the lyrics.

Literary Techniques:

• Juxtaposition: The lyrics juxtapose the 'East side' and 'West side' of America to highlight different facets of a flawed national character. This creates a sense of a society that is divided yet united in its dysfunctions.
• Rhetorical Questions: The central question, 'How many likes is my life worth?', is a powerful rhetorical device that forces the listener to confront the superficial values of modern society.
• Repetition: The repetition of phrases like 'this is us, this is us' and the climactic chant of 'I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy' serves to hammer home the song's central themes of collective identity and defiant self-acceptance.

"Sick Boy" marked a significant moment in The Chainsmokers' career, showcasing a more 'serious' and 'socially conscious' side to their music. Upon its release, the song received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its darker, more introspective direction and calling it a step in the right direction for the duo, while others found its attempt at being 'woke' to be disingenuous. The song's sound was frequently compared to that of Twenty One Pilots, indicating a shift in the pop landscape towards more emo and dystopian themes.

The single was the first from their second studio album of the same name, which was released as a 'building album' with tracks being added throughout 2018. "Sick Boy" charted in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, and Australia. In the US, it debuted at number 20 on the iTunes chart and reached a peak position of number 9. The accompanying music video, directed by Brewer, features a raw performance by the duo and drummer Matt McGuire on an empty soundstage, visually complementing the song's stripped-back and intense emotional core. The song's central question, 'How many likes is my life worth?', resonated with many listeners and became a key talking point in discussions about the track's commentary on social media culture.

"Sick Boy" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a picture of modern anxieties and societal critique.

• The East and West Sides of America: The song uses the geographical division of America to symbolize a broader cultural and ideological split. The 'East side,' where 'we choose pride over character,' can be interpreted as a critique of a stoic, perhaps old-money culture where appearance and legacy are paramount. The 'West side,' where 'they spin lies into fairy dust,' is a clear metaphor for the media and entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, and its power to create illusions and false narratives.
• The Self-Built Prison: The line 'I live in a prison that I built myself, it is my religion' is a powerful metaphor for self-inflicted mental and emotional confinement. It symbolizes how anxieties, insecurities, and the need for external validation can become a confining belief system that one adheres to religiously, trapping them in a cycle of their own making.
• 'Sick Boy' as a Reclaimed Identity: The term 'sick boy' itself is a central symbol. Initially, it represents the label given by society to those who are different or who struggle openly with their mental health. However, as the song progresses, the narrator's repetition of 'I am the sick boy' transforms it from an insult into a defiant badge of honor. It becomes a symbol of self-acceptance and a rejection of societal judgment.
• 'Likes' as Currency for Life's Worth: The recurring question, 'How many likes is my life worth?' is a direct and poignant metaphor for the commodification of self-worth in the digital age. 'Likes' are not just a form of social currency but are presented as being equivalent to the value of one's entire existence, highlighting the absurdity and danger of this mindset.

Several recurring phrases and motifs in "Sick Boy" are central to its meaning and structure:

• 'I'm from the East side of America' / 'I live on the West side of America': This geographical motif, which opens the verses, establishes a sense of a divided American identity and serves as a backdrop for the song's social commentary. The distinction between 'from' and 'live on' could also suggest a feeling of displacement or having a foot in two different, and perhaps conflicting, worlds.
• 'And we can pick sides, but this is us, this is us, this is': This phrase, repeated in the first and second verses, underscores the idea that despite the divisions, there is a shared, and flawed, collective identity. It suggests that pointing fingers is futile when the problems are systemic.
• 'I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy': This is the most powerful recurring motif in the song. It appears in the chorus and becomes a defiant chant in the bridge. Its repetition marks a transformation from being a victim of societal labeling to an empowered individual who reclaims the term as a part of their identity.
• 'How many likes is my life worth?': This haunting question is repeated multiple times, acting as the song's central thesis. Its recurrence emphasizes the pervasive and obsessive nature of social media validation in modern life and the anxiety it produces.