Meaning of "Shrink ◐" by Honne

The lyrics of "Shrink ◐" delve into the inner turmoil and emotional distress experienced by the speaker. They bid farewell to their sanity, acknowledging that they were able to get by with it until this point. However, with their sanity leaving them, they feel lost and unsure of what to do. The speaker reveals that they had not prepared for this situation and that it is not something taught in school. They refer to it as "goo goo emo juice," perhaps alluding to the overwhelming emotions and confusion they are currently experiencing. They then proceed to explain the circumstances that have led them to this point, expressing their frustration and the multitude of factors that contribute to their distress. Their friends continuously criticize and reject them, exacerbating their feelings of inadequacy. They disclose that they have been working tirelessly, and their doctor recommends taking medication to cope with their anxiety. The speaker believes that their struggles are evident and emphasize that they could go on endlessly about the multitude of reasons that have led them to this breaking point. They implore someone to book them a session with a shrink for the year 2020, emphasizing the urgency and severity of their mental state.

The meaning behind these lyrics revolves around the speaker's cry for help and recognition of their deteriorating mental health. They are overwhelmed by the various stressors in their life, including social rejection, work pressures, and anxiety. The mention of friends thinking they "suck" and texting "broken parts" suggests that the speaker feels fragmented and criticized, possibly leading to a negative self-perception. The line about working every day and their doctor recommending medication highlights the physical and emotional toll that the speaker experiences. The repetition of the plea to "book me a shrink for 2020" underscores the speaker's desperation and their belief that professional help is necessary to prevent themselves from descending into madness. Overall, the lyrics portray a sense of vulnerability, isolation, and a plea for support and understanding in navigating their mental health struggles in a world that often overlooks or stigmatizes such issues.