brutal

The overall theme of the song dives deep into the struggles of being a teenager today. Olivia expresses feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and disappointment. She feels trapped by expectations, both from herself and others. The catchy yet heavy vibe reflects how tough it can be to navigate friendships, self-image, and the pressure to fit in.

Verse 1

I want it to be, like, messy
I'm so insecure, I think
That I'll die before I drink
And I'm so caught up in the news
Of who likes me and who hates you
And I'm so tired that I might
Quit my job, start a new life
And they'd all be so disappointed
'Cause, who am I, if not exploited?
And I'm so sick of 17
Where's my fucking teenage dream?

In this opening verse, Olivia sets the tone by admitting her desire for authenticity, even if it’s messy. She reveals her deep insecurities, feeling overwhelmed by social dynamics and pressure to fit in. The mention of being "caught up in the news" of social interactions highlights how consuming and exhausting these thoughts can be. The reference to quitting her job to start anew shows a desire for escape and a fresh start, but she worries about disappointing others. The line about being "sick of 17" really hits home; it’s that moment when you realize that teenage life isn’t as glamorous as it’s often portrayed.

Chorus

All I did was try my best
This the kind of thanks I get?
Unrelentlessly upset (ah, ah, ah)
They say these are the golden years
But I wish I could disappear
Ego crush is so severe
God, it's brutal out here

The chorus amplifies her frustration and sense of betrayal. She feels like she’s put in the effort but hasn’t received any reward for it, which is a relatable sentiment for many. The phrase "golden years" is often used to romanticize youth, but here it feels like a cruel joke. The idea of wishing to disappear shows just how heavy these feelings are, and the mention of a "broken ego" throughout the song emphasizes the weight of her struggles.

Verse 2

I feel like no one wants me
And I hate the way I'm perceived
I only have two real friends
And lately, I'm a nervous wreck
'Cause I love people I don't like
And I hate every song I write
And I'm not cool and I'm not smart
And I can't even parallel park

In this verse, Olivia dives deeper into her feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. She talks about feeling unwanted, which is so relatable for many teens. The fact that she mentions only having "two real friends" suggests a longing for deeper connections in a world that can feel isolating. The line about loving people she doesn’t like shows the complexity of relationships, it’s not always straightforward. Her self-deprecating humor about not being "cool" or "smart" makes her relatable, but it also highlights her insecurities.

Chorus

All I did was try my best
This the kind of thanks I get?
Unrelentlessly upset (ah, ah, ah)
They say these are the golden years
But I wish I could disappear
Ego crush is so severe
God, it's brutal out here

Repeating the chorus reinforces her feelings of frustration and isolation. It’s as if she’s trying to convince herself that her struggles are valid. The raw emotion in this section really connects with anyone who’s felt overlooked or misunderstood during their teenage years.

Bridge

Got a broken ego, broken heart
(It's brutal out here, it's brutal out here)
And God, I don't even know where to start

In the bridge, Olivia lays it all out there with a stark acknowledgment of her brokenness. The repetition of "it's brutal out here" serves as a powerful reminder of the harsh reality she faces. It’s a moment of vulnerability, showing that she feels lost and overwhelmed. This adds a layer of depth to the song, emphasizing that these feelings aren't just fleeting, they're persistent.

Outro

(It's brutal out here, it's brutal out here)

The outro circles back to the core theme of the song. The repetition here feels like a mantra, driving home the stark reality Olivia faces. It leaves listeners with a sense of finality and acceptance of harsh truths about growing up.

Closing Thoughts

"Brutal" is a striking anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of expectations and insecurities. Olivia captures the messy reality of being a teenager today, and her honesty makes it easy to connect with her struggles. The song’s catchy beat contrasts with its heavy lyrics, creating a memorable and impactful experience. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost and overwhelmed, and that you’re not alone in those feelings.