There’s something magical about sad music, and a raw, unfiltered emotion that resonates deeply within our spirit. Indie rock, with its introspective lyrics and often melancholic melodies, has a unique way of capturing this sentiment. One song that encapsulates this beautifully is “I am the Antichrist to You” by Kishi Bashi.

Kishi Bashi is a US-based singer, and songwriter from Athens, Georgia. He co-founded Jupiter One and was part of the fantastic band of Montreal. In 2011, he started his solo career, releasing his first album, 151a. In 2021, “I Am the Antichrist to You” was featured in season 5 episode 3 “A Rickconvenient Mort” of Rick and Morty.

From the opening lines, “Who are you? Who am I to you? I am the antichrist to you,” we’re immediately drawn into a world of existential questioning and self-doubt. The term “antichrist” is a powerful one, often associated with destruction and chaos. Here, I feel that it symbolizes a destructive force within a relationship, a source of pain and conflict.

The lyrics, “Fallen from the sky with grace, Into your arms race,” brings to life a sense of a fallen angel, someone who was once in a better place or high regard but has since fallen from grace. The “arms race” could be a metaphor for the constant struggle in the relationship.

In the first verse, Kishi paint a picture of a relationship that was once clear and valuable but is now marked by surrender and emptiness. The speaker’s heart shakes with fear, and they hide behind a “shield and spear,” suggesting a defensive stance, a need to protect oneself from further hurt.

In the second verse, the lyrics, “One for my heart and two for show, Three tears for all the souls below,” suggest a performance of sorts, a display of sorrow for others to see. The speaker talks about making figurines and burning them with their favourite things, perhaps symbolising a desire to rid themselves of memories associated with the relationship.

To me, this song is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and self-reflection. Its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics resonate deeply, making it a standout track in the indie rock genre. Kishi Bashi masterfully weaves a tale of a love that was once bright and beautiful but has since turned into a source of pain and regret. It’s a song that stays with you, a testament to the power of music to capture the complexities of the human heart.

The beauty of it, is that it was recommended to me by the one that has taken the throne of my heart. Feeling fallen? Feeling loss? Yes. But I will stand by her side forever if that what it takes to come back from falling.

If you want more sadness and despair, paired with some happy glimpses in here and there: Here’s a link to my Spotify Playlist “Sound of (Indie) Love and Lost Love.