There is no doubt that we are living in the era of the pop girlies. Between Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and now Gracie Abrams, we’ve had no shortage of incredible music over the past year. With the release of Daughter from Hell, Gracie Abrams once again delivers the vulnerable lyricism and emotional storytelling that fans have come to love, giving us songs to relate to, cry to, and scream-sing with the girls on a long drive. Throughout the album, she explores themes of friendship, romance, identity, family, and growing up, creating a vulnerable record that resonates with listeners living through similar experiences.
Hit The Wall
“Sooner or later, you’ll find out I live in a pattern of breakdowns”
Abrams opens the album by confronting cycles of self-destruction and self-sabotage in relationships. Using “hitting a wall” as a metaphor for needing to face her own internal battles, she acknowledges her own unhealthy patterns as the first step toward improvement and healing. This song reminds listeners that healing often begins with facing the parts of ourselves that we’d rather avoid.
Death Wish
“You don’t look the same when I look at you now”
“Death Wish” encapsulates the experience of being in a narcissistic and emotionally manipulative relationship while learning how to navigate its effects. Whether in friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics, recognizing these unhealthy behaviors is the first step toward breaking free of these cycles. Abrams brings awareness to the importance of recognizing and confronting red flags before they become normalized in a relationship.
The Knife
“This should be the last time”… “This won’t be the last time”
Have you ever known someone was going to disappoint you again, yet you still found yourself hoping it would be different this time? This song explores the cycle of heartbreak, broken trust, and repeatedly giving chances to someone who continues to hurt you. While you may blame yourself for falling into this cycle repeatedly, you’re not alone in holding onto hope that someone or something you care about will change.
Daughter From Hell
“I hope that I make you proud”
If you’ve ever felt like the problem child or simply misunderstood by your family, “Daughter From Hell” may really resonate with you. Tackling themes of family trauma, guilt, and identity, the track explores what it feels like to carry the weight of being labeled as the “daughter from hell.” It captures the emotional struggle of feeling misunderstood by the people whose acceptance often matters most.
Look At My Life
“Do I look high-functioning or is my façade crumbling?”
Abrams describes the feeling of imposter syndrome, making you feel like a fraud despite your accomplishments. Whether it’s at work, school, or even in your relationships, it can sometimes be difficult to fully believe you deserve your success. The song reminds listeners that self-doubt can exist even when there is clear evidence of your abilities and achievements.
Good Reason
“If only you didn’t adore me”
Have you ever felt guilty leaving someone who never did anything wrong, wishing they had given you a reason to leave? “Good Reason” explores the guilt of ending a relationship with someone who hasn’t necessarily done anything wrong, but simply isn’t the right person for you. It captures the emotional conflict of feeling like you should stay because they’re a good person, even when the relationship no longer feels fulfilling. The song reminds listeners that sometimes incompatibility is reason enough, and that choosing your own happiness doesn’t always require someone else to be the villain.
Men Like You
“Girl, I know men like you”
While you may assume this song is about an ex-partner, Abrams actually uses it to describe the end of a friendship. By comparing a former friend to the men who have hurt her in the past, she highlights how betrayal, manipulation, and disappointment aren’t limited to romantic relationships. Friendship breakups can be just as painful and emotionally impactful as romantic ones.
Sober
“I’d blame it on the night”
Some relationships don’t end with closure, but with a lingering sense of what could have been. “Sober” explores the vulnerability of reflecting on a complicated past, whether it’s a former relationship, unresolved feelings, or the one that got away. It brings up a slew of “what ifs,” emphasizing the bittersweet and often heartbreaking nature of nostalgia.
Broke My Heart
“I’d rather get hit by a train than have to let go”
“Broke My Heart” explores the experience of having a relationship end without warning. It captures the shock, betrayal, and painful realization of having to let go of someone you thought you knew. The song also reflects on the heartbreak of watching someone who was once so familiar become a stranger. It serves as a reminder that grieving a relationship often means grieving the future you imagined with that person as well.
Mews
“Oh, you can bet I regret it now”
“Mews” explores the bittersweet experience of looking back on old memories and reminiscing about what once was. Through themes of regret and reflection, Abrams acknowledges that while some relationships leave a lasting impact, not every connection can be repaired or restored. The song reminds listeners that accepting the past is often an important part of moving forward.
Minibar
“I’m at, at the party, is it just me or do you feel insane?”
Have you ever felt out of place in a room full of your friends? “Minibar” explores the feelings of overstimulation, awkwardness, and social anxiety that can come with social events, from wanting to leave the party early to feeling uncomfortable even when nothing seems to be wrong. The song validates the overwhelming and often inexplicable emotions that can arise in social situations, reminding listeners that they are not alone in feeling this way.
Imaginary Friend
“Cause you’re a figment of my imagination and I fucking hate it”
Do you have an ex or past situationship that still lives rent-free in your head? Moving on isn’t just about missing a person, but the familiarity and routine they brought into your life. From instinctively reaching for your phone in the morning to adjusting to the emptiness of a routine that once included them, this song captures how difficult it can be to let go of someone who has become intertwined with your everyday life.
Afflictions
“You sugarcoat the oxygen”
Not every vulnerable song is about heartbreak. In “Afflictions,” Abrams explores the vulnerability that comes with being in a healthy, stable relationship, where allowing yourself to trust someone can feel just as scary as getting hurt. The track highlights the unfamiliar feeling of accepting genuine love and care, while reminding listeners that healthy relationships often require vulnerability, too. And yes, a subtle shoutout to Paul Mescal doesn’t hurt.
Humming
“What a way to feel in your 20s”
Your twenties can be both exciting and uncertain at the same time. “Humming” captures the beauty and discomfort of navigating career pressures, relationships, and the current social and political climate. The song reminds listeners that it’s okay to feel hopeful, uncertain, and afraid all at once as they figure out who they’re becoming. Rather than glamorizing your twenties, Abrams uses honest, understated language to acknowledge that growing up can feel just as overwhelming as it is exciting.
What If It’s Right?
“What are we even doing?”
Starting a new relationship can be both exciting and terrifying. “What If It’s Right?” explores the uncertainty that comes with letting someone in while questioning every step along the way. Whether you’re afraid of getting hurt, wondering if you’re making the right choice, or keeping your walls up to protect yourself, the song captures the emotional push and pull of opening your heart to someone new.
Cold Goodbyes
“I still make-believe them sometimes”
Abrams closes the album off on a reflective note, exploring the tendency to romanticize relationships that didn’t end well and imagine how things could have been different. While processing heartbreak is difficult enough on its own, doing so under constant public attention and criticism adds another layer of vulnerability. The song reminds listeners that healing isn’t always linear, and it’s natural to revisit old memories before finally letting them go.
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Music can be a healthy outlet for processing emotions, and Abrams is just one of many artists whose vulnerability helps listeners feel seen, understood, and less alone as she explores themes of friendship, relationships, family, and self-growth. While music can provide comfort and connection, it cannot replace personalized mental health support. At Manhattan Wellness, we’re here to provide that support through approaches such as mindfulness therapy, therapy for anxiety and depression, and somatic therapy, we can help you develop the tools to become your best self. You can create meaningful change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Start your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life today.
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At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and finding the excitement in your life. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, therapy for college students, and more. Are you feeling as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.
