Analyzing lyrics is like unwrapping a present. Hidden themes, figurative language, and storylines are revealed that you may not have caught on first listen.

Since fellow Medium writer Maria Garcia and I share a love of music, we have decided to create a mini-series on lyric analysis.

First, we've recommended a song to each other. Then, we each create a post deep-diving into the lyrics of the song we've been given.

Maria has recommended Celeste's break up ballad "Strange". Let's uncover its hidden meanings — together!

Analyzing the lyrics of "Strange"

The song begins from a place of hope, "I tried for you / Tried to see through all the smoke and dirt / It wouldn't move / What could I do?"

The singer reminisces over how connected they were in the past, but realizes things have changed, "I touch your head to pull your thoughts into my head / But now I can't."

Once "Strange" reaches its conclusion, the singer recognizes that it's all over, and the pain hits hard, "That violent disclosure turns my insides / Stops me when I try to stand."

The lyrics of "Strange" paint a vivid picture of the disconnect between the singer and her lover. The imagery becomes more uncomfortable as the song moves along, especially with the phrase "violent disclosure turns my insides."

As a listener, you can feel that sickness the singer's describing. The relationship feels seconds away from boiling over.

At the ballad's beginning, the singer sees that the crack formed in the relationship is too large to fix. Still, she holds out hope.

By its conclusion, the singer has accepted the relationship's end, whether she wants it to happen or not.

The emotional impact of "Strange"

Losing a strong connection can make you feel off-kilter. Whether it's with a romantic partner, friend, or family member, that shift can feel "strange." The past feels like a blur.

When I've dealt with breakups I stumble into a state of disillusionment. I question everything, "Did it all actually happen? Was it real?"

The chorus of "Strange" takes a look back at this odd, yet revealing chapter of a relationship, "Isn't it strange? / How people can change / From strangers to friends / Friends into lovers / And strangers again."

The words show Celeste taking a step back from the heat of the relationship. It almost feels like the verses and the chorus are from different points in time.

The verses feel emotionally vivid, like the singer's still within the relationship's clutches. The chorus has a sense of clarity that hints the singer has had some time away from the relationship.

But, underneath Celeste's lyrics, lies an important lesson about relationships and dealing with emotions.

Celeste's "Strange" lesson for the listener

Our self-improvement obsessed world lives and dies by toxic positivity, hustle culture, and "good vibes only." As you navigate your personal life and career, finding a safe space to feel your negative emotions can be difficult.

Because sometimes — life is strange. There is no silver lining. There is no inspirational takeaway. Sometimes, the answer to dealing with a rough situation is weathering the storm. When dealing with relationships, which are often complex, this becomes even more true.

"Strange" explores the oddity of losing a genuine human connection. It is strange to one day think you are going to spend your life with someone else, and then the next day they're gone.

That strangeness is worth sitting in. As poet Robert Frost once said, "The only way out is through."

Thanks a million to Maria for recommending this song and collaborating with me. Go check out her article featuring the song I recommended to her!

Interested in lyric analysis? Wonderful! We welcome you to write an article breaking down one of your favorite songs.

Not sure what to talk about? Here's an online resource with six questions to start the discussion.

Need a song recommendation? Here are a few: Pretty Little Fears feat. J Cole — 6LACK, His & Her Fiend feat. SZA — Schoolboy Q, Here — Alessia Cara.

Tag Maria and me in your post so we can check it out!

Nia Simone McLeod is a writer, content creator, and pop culture enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia. She's the creator and editor of the Medium publications oh, write and coiled. In her newsletter, she shares writing prompts, the best in pop culture, and sneak peeks at her upcoming work.