doing my best

The song deals with the ups and downs of life, particularly focusing on the anxiety that comes with growing up. Hazlett expresses how confusing it can be to know what others want but still feel lost. It's a snapshot of someone trying hard to cope, yet feeling a bit off-balance. The mix of hope and uncertainty is something many can connect with, making the song feel very real.

Verse 1

So long, goodnight
Watch me go and put it upstairs
How come warm lights
Have a way of making me scared
I know what you liked
But don't know what you like

In this verse, Hazlett sets a somber tone with "so long, goodnight." It feels like a farewell to something familiar, maybe even comfort. The mention of warm lights suggests a cozy setting, yet it brings fear instead of comfort. That contrast shows how even safe spaces can feel overwhelming. The line about knowing what someone liked but not what they like hints at confusion in relationships, adding to the overall anxiety.

Chorus

I'm okay but kinda upset
Told my mum I'm doing my best
It's too late to go and get rest
So I'm gonna live in my head
(Oh no, oh no no)
(Oh no, oh no no)

Here, the chorus really hits home. Hazlett admits to feeling okay, but still managing some upset. That mix of emotions is relatable for anyone who feels the pressure to perform or keep it together. The line about telling his mum he’s doing his best shows a desire for reassurance, but the fatigue of trying to live up to expectations is clear. The repetition of “oh no” emphasizes that feeling of being trapped in one’s thoughts, which can be exhausting.

Verse 2

Cold cup warm stay
Growing up and learn to make tea
Fall comes, too late
Life is short and worrying me
I know what you liked
But don't know what you like

In this verse, the imagery of a cold cup of tea feels like a metaphor for missed opportunities or stagnant moments. It also shows a sense of growing up, learning to make tea is a simple but significant skill. The mention of fall coming too late suggests that time is slipping away, which adds to the worry. Hazlett again reflects on knowing someone's past preferences but feeling uncertain about their current feelings, showing the ongoing struggle to connect.

Chorus

I'm okay but kinda upset
Told my mum I'm doing my best
It's too late to go and get rest
So I'm gonna live in my head
(Oh no, oh no no)
(So I'm gonna live in my head)
(Oh no, oh no no)
(Live in my head)
(So I'm gonna live in my head)

This chorus repeats, emphasizing the ongoing cycle of anxiety. It reinforces the idea that even when trying hard, the feeling of being “kinda upset” doesn’t go away. The repetition also reflects how thoughts can spiral, making it tough to escape that inner turmoil. It’s like a mantra of sorts, capturing the struggle of living in your head when you want to find peace.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "Doing My Best" paints a vivid picture of the pressures of life and the anxiety that can come with it. Hazlett's lyrics resonate with anyone who's ever felt the weight of expectations or struggled to find their place. The song beautifully balances feelings of hope and uncertainty, making it a relatable anthem for many.