REVIEW: “Block Me Out” — Gracie Abrams
A song about getting stuck within the restraints of your own anxiety, “Block Me Out” has been released as Gracie Abrams’ first new single of 2022. In the song, Abrams opens up, revealing her most honest thoughts regarding her struggles with anxiety and learning how to cope with it. Co-written with producer Aaron Dessner, the single has produced four minutes and nine seconds of an open invitation into the sad yet honest thoughts of Gracie Abrams.
In the opening line, Abrams hits listeners with honesty, admitting, “I’ll say whatever you want but I’ve become such a liar.” She has mastered telling people what they want to hear rather than how she truly feels. This is a common thing that people do; rather than opening up and talking about how we feel, we instead lie and say that we’re fine; Gracie Abrams is no different. Anxiety is a heavy feeling that weighs us down and Abrams sings of her struggles of overcoming it as she navigates life in the music industry.
Abrams’ voice is beautiful and raspy throughout the saddening lyrics. The guitar-driven track highlights Abrams healing and reflection. The careful strums of the guitar make the song casual, yet vulnerable with Abrams words. Navigating life as a young adult is difficult and confusing, and Abrams reveals that she too understands what it’s like to be presented with this struggle.
In the chorus Abrams sings, “I’ve been thinking way too loud / I wish that I could block me out.” Abrams believes that her thoughts have consumed her and she wishes to cut that voice out from her head, hence her wanting to “block [herself] out.” Her words are raw and emotional, resonating with listeners who have previously experienced the heavy feeling of anxiety.
Feeling trapped by the intensity of her emotions, Abrams sings, “I think I’m burning alive, but nobody sees the fire.” It is often easy to fabricate our emotions to keep others from worrying, but it can get the best of us. These feelings can feel so strong and overpowering, and sometimes it goes unrecognized by the people around us.A sad reality, Gracie sings, “It’s not their fault but I’ve found that none of my friends will call me.” The line highlights the overthinking aspect of anxiety. Abrams points out a common example: what if our friends don’t really like us. Her lyrics are an example of believing in the inevitability of bad things happening to you. Once you begin to think negatively, it is easy to get caught up in the worst of your thoughts.
Gracie Abrams’ voice is mesmerizing and this song seems to take inspiration from Taylor Swift’s album, “Evermore.” The simplicity of the guitar, and honesty in the lyrics— she may just be a Swiftie at heart.
