Rising from the Depths: Alice Phoebe Lou Proves Resilient in ‘The World Above’

Born in South Africa and based in Portugal, Alice Phoebe Lou is a talent for the ages, and her latest song ‘The World Above’ is proof of that. The song presents a powerful consideration into the internal struggle, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The musician sets things in motion with the words “Waking up and giving up before the day has started”, indicating a deep-seated sense of defeat.

She goes on to say “I'm alone with my demons, they tease me with temptation”. “Demons” symbolize negative thoughts or anxieties that tempt Alice towards negativity. Be that as it may, a flicker of hope remains within her, captured in the line; “I know I've got a light inside, I can use it to get through it”.

The title of the song begins to make sense when she sings “I'm underneath the water, but I can see the world above”. Being “underneath the water” represents feeling overwhelmed by negativity. The world above, “smiling” and “shining” symbolizes a happier, more fulfilling existence that seems just out of reach.

It turns out that this smiling and shining world isn’t out of reach at all, because otherwise she wouldn’t say “I hold my breath, I nod my head, and rise”. This is Alice deciding to take action. Holding her breath signifies determination, and rising symbolizes the fight against negativity. This is the kind of dynamism that creates a complex emotional landscape for the song.

The brilliance of this piece lies in the fact that the artist juxtaposes a breezy melody with a powerful message. This creates a unique and uplifting listening experience, offering both comfort and hope. You have David Parry playing guitar, Dekel Adin on bass, and Ziv Yamin handling both drums and keyboards. Each contributor brings their unique talent to the track, yet the artist's distinct vision and creative control remain at the forefront, resulting in a cohesive and authentic piece of work.

‘The World Above’ captures the complexities of the human psyche and offers a message of hope and perseverance.

 

Vukile Nstaba

Image: ‘The World Above’ Official Single Cover