Control

"Control" is a deeply personal confession detailing Zoe Wees' childhood battle with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE). Unlike generic pop songs about heartbreak, the "loss of control" described here is literal and physical—referring to the seizures that would take over her body, leaving her helpless.

The lyrics explore the psychological aftermath of chronic illness: the anxiety of waking up fearful of a seizure ("Early in the morning I still get a little bit nervous"), the feeling of exclusion, and the depression that comes with feeling like a prisoner in one's own body. The "demons" she fights are the seizures themselves, and the "voices" represent the internal struggle and the side effects of the condition.

Implicitly, the song is also a message of gratitude. Wees has stated in interviews that she wrote the song as a thank you to a primary school teacher who supported her through her diagnosis, helping her feel less alone and more "in control" of her life during a time when she felt powerless.

The narrative of the song begins in the vulnerable quiet of the early morning, a time when the protagonist is plagued by a lingering nervousness. It is not just a general anxiety but a specific, haunting presence described as 'ghosts' that she cannot see but intensely feels. These invisible forces leave her feeling isolated, despite knowing logically that she is not the only person in the world. The lyrics convey a struggle to breathe, symbolizing the suffocating nature of her condition, and she calls out for help, though the plea feels internal and desperate.

As the story progresses, physical sensations overwhelm her; she describes a spinning feeling that persists even when she knows time has passed. The memory of previous episodes brings pain, fueling a desperate desire to avoid reliving that trauma. The core of her plea is the terrifying prospect of losing agency over her own body. She begs not to 'lose control,' repeating this wish as a mantra against the encroaching darkness of her medical episodes. The 'demons' she refers to are not supernatural, but the very real, terrifying seizures that threaten to take over her physical being.

In the second verse, the narrative deepens into the psychological toll. She hears voices and faces a constant, looming threat of failure or collapse, described metaphorically as 'walking on a wire.' The exhaustion is palpable; she feels weak and tired of holding on, yet she persists. The bridge intensifies this battle, acknowledging the scariness of the situation and the feeling of impending doom, yet the song remains a testament to the fight to stay present and in command of oneself amidst the chaos of illness.

"Control" was released on March 13, 2020, marking Zoe Wees' debut single. The song was born from her very first professional songwriting session. It was co-written by Wees along with Patrick Pyke Salmy, Ricardo Muñoz, Emma Sophia Rosen, René Miller, and Nils Bodenstedt. The track was produced by Salmy and Muñoz.

Wees, who suffered from Rolandic epilepsy as a child, wanted to channel the trauma and anxiety of that period into her music. She noted that the vocal take used in the final master is actually the first take she recorded; the emotion was so raw and genuine that they decided not to re-record it, preserving the authenticity of her pain and strength. The song quickly gained traction on TikTok and Spotify, propelling the then-18-year-old Hamburg native to international stardom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The song relies heavily on dark, atmospheric imagery to personify the experience of epilepsy:

• "Ghosts" and "Demons": These represent the illness and the seizures. They are the invisible forces that haunt her, present even when she is physically alone.
• "Walking on a wire": A metaphor for the fragility of her daily life. It suggests a constant state of balance where one wrong move (or a sudden onset of a seizure) could lead to a fall.
• "The spin": This likely refers to the aura or dizziness often experienced before or during a seizure, as well as the disorienting feeling of anxiety.
• "Walls are closing in": Represents the claustrophobia of anxiety and the feeling of being trapped by her condition.

The emotional landscape of "Control" is intense and bittersweet. It begins with a tone of vulnerability and fear, created by the sparse piano and Wees' breathy vocals. As the song builds, the emotion shifts to desperation and finally to a form of empowered resilience. While the lyrics speak of helplessness, the power of the vocal performance conveys strength, creating a juxtaposition where the singer reclaims her power by admitting her weakness. The climax of the song is cathartic, releasing the tension built up during the verses.

"Control" was a massive breakout hit for Zoe Wees, establishing her as a global artist. It charted in the top 10 in several European countries, including France and Belgium, and reached the top 40 in Germany. It was certified Gold and Platinum in multiple markets, including a Platinum certification in the US.

The song's raw depiction of medical struggle resonated widely, becoming an anthem not just for epilepsy awareness but for mental health generally. It found a massive audience on TikTok, where users connected with its emotional vulnerability. Wees performed the song on The Late Late Show with James Corden, marking her US television debut and further cementing the song's international legacy.

The song is written in 4/4 time with a tempo of approximately 114 BPM. It follows a standard verse-chorus structure common in pop music. The rhyme scheme varies but generally employs AABB or ABAB patterns with a mix of perfect rhymes (nervous/surface - slant) and identical rhymes.

Rhythmically, the verses are delivered with a more conversational, syncopated flow, reflecting the hesitancy of anxiety. In contrast, the chorus features longer, sustained notes on key words like "Control," allowing the melody to soar and emphasizing the weight of the central theme.

Musical Techniques: The song is a textbook example of a dynamic pop ballad. It begins with a somber, stripped-back piano arrangement that highlights the raw texture of Wees' voice. As the song progresses to the chorus, the production swells with percussion and cinematic strings (or synthesized pads), mirroring the rising panic and emotional intensity of the lyrics. Wees uses a vocal technique that blends a raspy, lower-register whisper in the verses with a powerful, belted delivery in the chorus, showcasing her immense range.

Literary Techniques: The lyrics utilize repetition effectively, particularly with the phrase "I don't wanna lose control," which acts as both a plea and a rhythmic anchor. The use of sensory imagery (feeling the spin, hearing voices, shortness of breath) grounds the abstract concept of 'control' in physical reality.

What is the meaning behind Zoe Wees' song 'Control'?

The song is about Zoe Wees' childhood struggle with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. The lyrics describe the anxiety, helplessness, and loss of control she felt during seizures (her 'demons') and her fear of the condition taking over her life.

Who did Zoe Wees write 'Control' for?

Zoe Wees wrote 'Control' as a thank you to her primary school teacher. This teacher helped her cope with her epilepsy diagnosis and anxiety when she was a child, providing the support she needed to keep going.

What kind of epilepsy does Zoe Wees have?

Zoe Wees was diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE) during her childhood. It is a form of epilepsy that typically affects children and involves seizures that often occur during sleep or upon waking.

When was 'Control' by Zoe Wees released?

'Control' was released on March 13, 2020. It served as her debut single and was later included on her debut EP, 'Golden Wings'.

Who are the writers and producers of 'Control'?

The song was written by Zoe Wees, Patrick Pyke Salmy, Ricardo Muñoz, Emma Sophia Rosen, René Miller, and Nils Bodenstedt. It was produced by Patrick Pyke Salmy and Ricardo Muñoz.

Is the vocal on 'Control' really the first take?

Yes, Zoe Wees has stated in interviews that the vocals heard on the final track are from the very first take she recorded. The producers felt the raw emotion of that first performance could not be replicated.