It’s the 20th anniversary of Blink 182’s album “Enema of the State,” so we’re featuring a song from it about depression, suicidal ideations, and loneliness called “Adam’s Song.” At the time, bassist and singer Mark Hoppus felt he didn’t have any right to be depressed because their album, tour and band were hugely successful. Because of this, he didn’t want to talk about it with anyone. However, once he released the song, many fans resonated with his feelings and expressed their support. I hope this song provides a cathartic relief for anyone struggling with depression or feeling unworthy of being sad. Regardless of how well off you are or how many great things are going on in your life, you can have depression, and you are worthy of those emotions.
Lyrics “Adam’s Song” by Blink 182
[Verse 1] I never thought I’d die aloneI laughed the loudest, who’d have known?
I trace the cord back to the wall
No wonder it was never plugged in at all
I took my time, I hurried up
The choice was mine, I didn’t think enough
I’m too depressed to go on
You’ll be sorry when I’m gone [Chorus 1] I never conquered, rarely came
16 just held such better days
Days when I still felt alive
We couldn’t wait to get outside
The world was wide, too late to try
The tour was over, we’d survived
I couldn’t wait ’til I got home
To pass the time in my room alone [Verse 2] I never thought I’d die alone
Another six months I’ll be unknown
Give all my things to all my friends
You’ll never step foot in my room again
You’ll close it off, board it up
Remember the time that I spilled the cup
Of apple juice in the hall
Please tell mom this is not her fault [Chorus 1] I never conquered, rarely came
16 just held such better days
Days when I still felt alive
We couldn’t wait to get outside
The world was wide, too late to try
The tour was over, we’d survived
I couldn’t wait ’til I got home
To pass the time in my room alone [Chorus 2] I never conquered, rarely came
Tomorrow holds such better days
Days when I could still feel alive
When I can’t wait to get outside
The world is wide, the time goes by
The tour is over, I’ve survived
I can’t wait ’til I get home
To pass the time in my room alone
Shannen Roberts (she/her) is the Peruvian-American, founding editor-in-chief of The Strange is Beautiful, musician and yogi.
Learn more about her here.
