GNASH’S “OUTSIDE” GIVES US A REASON TO SMILE

Everything is bad right now, and gnash is no stranger to the heaviness in the world. Everything is changing. It’s terrifying to go anywhere, and all of these fears have been amplified by staying at home for three months. Every conversation veers to one of a handful of subjects, whether it be the global pandemic, the grim state of US politics, Yemen, the fact that there are actually people against ending racism, climate change, or rising unemployment to name a few. Even when you’re not talking about those things, you end up right back there because there’s just nothing more important. Wait, what is this post about? Oh right! “Outside” by gnash.

GNASH - OUTSIDE/INSIDE

Released with the track “inside,” rapper/singer/songwriter gnash opens up about his fears. He opts for a gentle, acoustic sound which really helps highlight the raw, emotional lyrics. The melody is sing-songy, and the horrors of the world bounce back and forth until he slows the train of overwhelming thoughts, saying “Wait, what were we talking about? / I got carried away with my worries and doubts.” The chorus ends with a question: “Why’s it so hard to smile now?” We’re wondering, too, gnash.

But alas, there’s hope! We can take walks, admire nature, and as gnash says “find the beauty in pain in the ups and the downs.” Lyrically, the song is pretty straightforward, but gnash is very clever. Not only does he talk about things from his own perspective, but wonders if animals are aware that something’s wrong, and expresses worry for future generations.

It’s refreshing to hear a song that’s so relatable right now. “Outside” reassures that we’re not alone in being afraid. Things are undeniably scary these days, but gnash reminds us that we’ve got each other, we’ve got the outdoors, and we’ve got music.

Arielle Tindel is from Cleveland, Ohio. She recently graduated from Berklee College of Music with degrees in Music Business Marketing and Songwriting. In her free time, Arielle can be found gardening or playing bass.