Options

The song grapples with themes of addiction, self-reflection, and the constant battle between the desire for escapism and the need for stability. Whitcomb portrays a mood that's both introspective and raw, inviting listeners into his internal struggle. The lyrics reflect a moment of reckoning, where the speaker is aware of the pull of past vices but also understands the risk that comes with indulging in them. It feels relatable to anyone who’s faced tough choices and the seductive nature of their old habits.

Verse 1

"Is it a relapse if it's just a drink?
A picture perfect party full of friends I used to keep
My favourite vices I used to need
Lined up on the countertop, and they're calling out to me"

In this opening verse, the speaker questions whether indulging in a drink could be seen as a relapse. This sets the tone for the entire song, as it reveals his struggle with addiction and the temptation that comes with it. The imagery of a “picture perfect party” contrasts with the reality of his situation; it looks inviting, but it reminds him of friends and memories tied to past dependencies. The “favourite vices” lined up suggest that these habits still have a strong pull on him, creating a sense of urgency in his internal conflict.

Chorus

"I won't, but I could pull that bottle off that shelf
It helps me cope knowing I could be that version of myself
Could disappear for a week, for a month, for a year
Wake up at home or in a coffin
It's nice to know I got options"

The chorus highlights the tension between temptation and choice. The phrase “I won’t, but I could” captures the push and pull of his thoughts. He recognizes that while he has the option to indulge, he also understands the consequences that come with it. The line about disappearing for an extended period illustrates the depth of his struggle; it suggests a longing for escape, yet it comes with the grim reality of potentially waking up “in a coffin.” The idea that he has options, even if they’re dangerous, reflects a bittersweet acceptance of his situation.

Verse 2

"Oh, I can hear that quiet knock
I open up the door I could've swore I triple locked
Invite my skeletons to come on in
With their hollow eyes and that awful itch
And we're chewing through the air to tell a story"

In this verse, the speaker personifies his past struggles as “skeletons” knocking at his door, which signifies his unresolved issues and the memories that haunt him. The line about the locked door implies he’s tried to keep these parts of himself at bay, yet they still find a way in. The imagery of “chewing through the air” suggests a suffocating presence, where these memories and temptations are almost tangible, ready to overwhelm him. This section deepens the emotional conflict, showing that despite wanting to move forward, he’s still very much tied to his past.

Chorus (Repeated)

"I won't, but I could pull that bottle off that shelf
It helps me cope knowing I could be that version of myself
Could disappear for a week, for a month, for a year
Wake up at home or in a coffin
It's nice to know I got options"

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the ongoing internal battle. Each time he sings these lines, it feels heavier, as if he’s grappling more deeply with the implications of his choices. The acknowledgment of having options is both empowering and troubling, he has the power to choose but at the cost of facing what those choices could lead to.

Bridge

"Oh, I got options
Long as that devil on my shoulder and my angel keep talking
I got options, oh, I got options
Long as my hell ain't frozen over, oh, it's nice to know"

Here, the bridge introduces a dynamic between the “devil” and “angel” on his shoulders, representing the conflicting voices in his head. It’s a classic metaphor for temptation and morality, showing that he’s aware of these opposing forces. The line about hell not being frozen suggests that as long as he’s still grappling with his demons, there’s a chance for change. This part of the song adds a layer of hope, as he recognizes that his struggle gives him the power to choose.

Chorus (Repeated)

"I won't, but I could pull that bottle off that shelf
It helps me cope knowing I could be that version of myself
Could disappear for a week, for a month, for a year
Wake up at home or in a coffin
It's nice to know I got options"

The concluding chorus mirrors the earlier ones, emphasizing the ongoing conflict and his awareness of the choices at hand. By repeating these lines, Whitcomb drives home the message that while he’s thoughtful about his options, the struggle is far from over. It leaves listeners with a sense of unresolved tension, echoing the complexity of real-life choices.

Closing Thoughts

"Options" resonates with listeners because it captures the raw, often messy reality of battling addiction and the allure of past habits. Whitcomb’s honest exploration of temptation and choice makes it a powerful anthem for anyone facing their own struggles. This song sticks with people because it speaks to the universal experience of wanting to break free from one's past while feeling the constant pull of familiar comforts.