Phoebe Bridgers on the song that captures “how shitty” living in America is
With her hauntingly atmospheric melodies and notable involvement in the revered supergroup Boygenius, Phoebe Bridgers has firmly established herself as a contemporary icon within indie music. Her introspective lyricism predominantly delves into her own emotional landscape, navigating themes of love, depression, and the journey towards healing.
Although her songs don’t directly tackle political affairs, Bridgers’ compositions are littered with subtle nuances that point towards wider social awareness. For instance, the subtle dig at an ex-partner’s Donald Trump-supporting mother in ‘ICU’, along with raising money for Fair Fight Action in 2020 with her cover of Goo Goo Dolls’ ‘Iris’. She has also been candid about her position on supporting trans rights.
While her songs haven’t explicitly explored the injustices within modern American society, she does hold admiration for artists who address these themes. During an interview with The Line of Best Fit, the Boygenius vocalist expressed her appreciation for ‘Jack At The Asylum’ by The Felice Brothers, noting it as one of her favourite songs.
“I heard ‘Jack at the Asylum’ when I was on tour with The Felice Brothers and Conor Oberst, I was opening and they were his backing band,” Bridgers explains. “This song totally encapsulates what it feels like to live in the United States right now in a way that doesn’t sound corny or bitter or like they’re standing on some sort of pedestal.”
Continuing, she added: “This song totally encapsulates what it feels like to live in the United States right now, in a way that doesn’t sound corny or bitter or like they’re standing on some sort of pedestal. It’s literally about how shitty it is and why we still live there; it’s so heartbreaking to me. With the lyrics, there’s no level that you can delve into them and be ‘that could be different’, they’re all just amazing.”
Commenting on the song’s arrangements, Bridgers notes: “It’s so powerful and it’s not a ballad, like all of these other songs are. I like that about it too, that it’s got this really heavy chorus. I ended up covering it with them and Conor and singing their song was really funny and weird. It was awesome, I don’t play many really heavy songs, so it felt so good to play this every night.”
The song is a blunt criticism of American society told through the lens of a narrator called Jack. It incorporates eery lines like, “America, America, I’ve seen your guillotine” and “you give me nightmares”, reinforcing the notion that, despite monopolising many aspects of global culture, America will always have skeletons hidden away in its closet.
Musically, the song captures The Felice Brothers’ signature blend of folk, Americana, and rock influences. It features their characteristic use of acoustic instruments, soulful vocals, and a raw, earthy quality that adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling. As with much of The Felice Brothers’ catalogue, the song showcases their ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with listeners, offering a glimpse into the human condition and the complexities of life’s struggles. It’s a testament to the band’s storytelling prowess and their ability to create evocative and emotive music that leaves a lasting impact.
Check out the song below.
