Raw and unapologetic, Shamir’s fiery introvert anthem “On My Own” is a dynamic embrace of independence that transcends the pandemic and lockdown, speaking for all those living solo, fearless and free.
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Stream: “On My Own” – Shamir
Shamir comes in guitars a’blazing on his new single, tearing up the airwaves with a feverish, controlled chaos. Raw and unapologetic, “On My Own” is a fiery indie rock introvert anthem – a dynamic embrace of independence that transcends the pandemic and lockdown, speaking for (and to) all of us living solo, fearless and free.
I used to think that love was fleeting
You’ll just end up hurt
But it’s a cosmic game of meetings
That may never work and I think
Maybe I deserve a little more
And life will get easier
But I don’t believe in love anymore
Don’t bargain with my worth Cause
I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did
Born out of the pain of heartbreak and the solace of introversion, “On My Own” arrived June 11th close on the heels of Shamir’s sixth studio album Cataclysm (independently released March 18th). The lead single off a forthcoming seventh album due out this fall (said to be his “most commercial sounding” since 2015’s debut, Ratchet), “On My Own” is a hot, in-your-face return from an artist who’s been with us this whole time: The Vegas-born, Philadelphia based indie rock savant courses Pixies-like guitar riffs atop throbbing bass, glittering synths, and an intoxicating pulse.
And that’s before we hear his voice: Shamir’s vocals pour out with cool passion – his words are expressive, yet he reels in his anguish and lets his lyrics and music largely speak for themselves. Nevertheless, his high croons are sweet, raw, and aching – “I don’t care to feel like I belong, but you always did – and I feel it in my bones,” the artist sings, holding the end of the phrase as his voice rings out above the fray.
Shamir has found the sweet spot between pure ecstasy and emotional turmoil, and it’s a beautiful imbalanced space full of mixed feelings and vulnerable upheaval.
I always thought my heart was freezing
And I’m just cold
But I refuse to fucking suffer
Just to feel whole now I know
Maybe I can find the one
The more I rid myself
Of thinking I can’t love anyone
Even if it’s the devil himself
“I wrote ‘On My Own’ last summer after a breakup as a way to remind myself that while it sucked to lose someone I was getting used to, at least I’m an introvert,” Shamir shared upon his song’s release. “But considering the pandemic, it’s also morphed into an accidental quarantine anthem, especially for the people who live alone like me. The video was shot around different places in my house during quarantine completely, well, on my own.”
In another world, at another time, “On My Own” would exist as a rollicking guitar-driven ode to independence, and that would be that. Such is not the case in mid-June 2020: With COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine orders still keeping us several months away from any semblance of “normal life” as we once knew it (not to mention the hundreds of thousands of loved ones lost), the song exists as an anthem of isolation – for finding comfort in discomfort, and peace amidst disarray.
I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did
And I feel it in my bones
Inside myself is where I belong
Maybe I don’t care anymore
And that can be the truth
But I’m not gonna try anymore
To fall in love with you
Shamir is in a state of self-care, and the whole world is right there with him. Whether you need it to let loose or to keep yourself together, “On My Own” is the heartbreak/lockdown ode we’ve been restlessly waiting for to tell us we’ll be alright, even if we’re not alright.
I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did and
I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did
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:: stream/purchase “On My Own” here ::
Stream: “On My Own” – Shamir
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