As hinted at in the teaser blurb, I got to know of Natalie Imbruglia like most folks in the US at the time did: from her fantastic cover of the Ednaswap song, “Torn”. Some time after, I saw on a video music channel the video for Left Of The Middle's 4th single, and I fell for the feel, the emotion, the piano...that vocal. It was unforgettable for me and I had to have it. That song was “Smoke”.
I attempted some digging to see if there were any articles of Natalie talking about the song and the meaning, but I couldn't really find any, which is a bummer because I'd like to understand more about it from her own perspective. So... As I think about it and consider what the lyrics are, it feels to be about the aftermath of divorce, a lost mother with substance abuse, child abuse, and self harm as told by the child/teen. Perhaps within a memory that feels like it's still happening, with all the feelings of lost innocence, abandonment, the suppression of emotions and the inability to leave the experiences behind being present. As for the literal pieces, it seems to me that the smoke references the chain-smoking of the mother, while 'bleeding is breathing' and 'bleeding is believing' seems to be the indication of self-harm. Or possibly the idea of feeling the feelings to let them go. Whatever intention and layers in the meaning, it’s clear that, from the lyrical content alone, this song is an incredibly powerful piece of art.
This all explains so much to me about why it hits me so hard when I listen, being the empathetic and emotional person I am; this song, if I don't center myself and somewhat detach from the depth, it will make me cry. The emotion in the vocal and the way the guitars and backing effects mirror the climactic vocal in the final chorus especially have the ability to pull the tears down my face even if they weren't fighting to come out. Natalie's conviction along with her vocal quality and tone simultaneously float over and cut through everything, the voice longing and begging to be heard, and it's gorgeous. Heartbreaking. And, honestly? Stunning.
This song is a wonderful representation of the fragile yet courageous beauty of vulnerability and the sharing of stories. It is also a testament as to how incredibly important the human aspect of music really is. Artificial Intelligence could never begin to tap into the depth of the human spirit nor offer the catharsis and healing that music can bring. Catharsis and healing that we all need and deserve. It's honest human connection through song, after all, and I hope you take the time to let the spirit of “Smoke” surround you.
My lullaby, hung out to dry
What's up with that
It's over
Where are you dad
Mum's lookin' sad
What's up with that
It's dark in here
Why, bleeding is breathing
You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room
Try, bleeding is believing
I used to...
My mouth is dry
Forgot how to cry
What's up with that
You're hurting me
I'm running fast
Can't hide the past
What's up with that
You're pushing me
Why, bleeding is breathing
You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room
Try, bleeding is believing
I used to.
I used to...
Why, bleeding is breathing
You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room
Try, bleeding is breathing
I saw you crawling on the floor
Why, bleeding is breathing
You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room
Try, bleeding is breathing
I saw you crawling to the door
Why, bleeding is breathing
You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room
Try , bleeding is breathing
I saw you falling on the floor
