There has been a buzz in the air ever since Netflix aired the first season of Th1rteen R3asons Why.

Different, by Doxter S, is a touching and sensitive ballad that gets right to the center of this problem: American teenagers are caught in the nexus between childhood and adulthood, without always having the emotional anchor needed to remain stable. The lyrics, sung by a female lead, don’t indicate the subject’s gender. This first verse clearly describes the idea of transition, starting with a birthday party. This is followed by a haunting reference to the type of detachment felt when self-importance begins to wane. “People look though you like you’re not even there, like you are lighter than air, a wisp of smoke”.

This theme of detachment is repeated throughout the song. The Chorus, also repeated throughout, paints a simple picture of an individual not fitting in: “You’re different from the luck ones. How can you stay in this place…this life?” The second verse alludes to the potential for bullying, as the subject has been keeping a private journal that has now beome public. The second verse also ends with the repeated themes of detachment noted above.

The bridge introduces several so-called nurturing and authority figures (parents and teachers), with a general perception of lacking emotional support (dominating father, detached mother, dismissive teacher). The bridge ends with the feeling that this must, in some way, undermine the subject’s personal self worth. The final verse, the most direct and disturbing reference to teenage suicide, is immediately followed by the repeated themes of detachment and a repeat of the final chorus. The entire song is made more touching and emotional by the accompanying keyboard chord progressions and cello arpegios.