Icon for Hire’s track “Under the Knife” (2016) dives deep into the painful reality of struggling with self-harm and emotional distress, presenting a raw and honest portrayal of mental health issues. The song’s moving lyrics may resonate with listeners with trauma or mental health struggles as they echo some of the primary themes of navigating these intense experiences. Through its powerful metaphor of going “under the knife,” the song explores the relatable cyclical pattern of self-harming behaviour wherein the emotional and physical pain is both the cause and result of the same destructive coping mechanism.

The opening lines touch on the immense fear of one’s internal and external turmoil being exposed and having to “pick the pieces up” (Icon For Hire, 2016) and yet how, irregardless of this challenge, many people need songs like this to be written to make them feel a little less alone. The culturally-imposed shame and reluctance to speak about these issues is beautifully captured by the compelling lines “The devil drew you in, you didn’t let it show…Didn’t want the others to ever have to know” (Icon For Hire, 2016). 

The song proceeds to go even deeper with the next bold section. “You carved a special place for your pain” speaks to how people sometimes compartmentalize their trauma, resorting to self-harm to feel in control of their emotional turmoil. Icon for Hire importantly discusses the vulnerability of this coping method, acknowledging that while at first this behaviour may feel like an effective outlet, it ultimately deepens one’s wounds, both literally and metaphorically.

One of the song’s standout moments is its stark commentary on the stigma surrounding self-harm. “When we were 15, we wouldn’t dare let that s**t be seen, but now it seems mutilation’s gone mainstream” reflects on how societal perceptions of self-harm have shifted over the years. What was once hidden out of shame has become increasingly glamorized, normalized and publicized in the media. The lyrics reflect the alienation and isolation felt by those struggling with these all-consuming issues in silence while also criticizing how society often trivializes their pain and creates the perfect social conditions for the maintenance of their suffering.

The chorus, “I can pick at the pain, but can’t cut it away,” encapsulates the ultimate futility of using self-harm as a way to manage one’s ongoing distress. Although self-harm might appear to provide an immediate emotional release, it does nothing to address the underlying root causes of these issues. The singer reflects on their own lived experiences and feelings of immense self-hatred and urges listeners to recognize that there are no quick fixes or easy solutions and this behaviour in particular will never lead to the peace, freedom or healing they are so desperately seeking.

Ultimately, “Under the Knife” doesn’t offer any specific advice for managing these serious issues, but more so emphasizes the importance of recognizing destructive cycles and searching for healthier coping mechanisms. It recognizes the complexities of self-harm, the challenges to recovery, especially within certain communities that provide an echo chamber for the struggle, and provides a strong, relatable voice for those who may have otherwise felt unseen. This song offers listeners a chance to reflect on the scars they carry—whether visible or hidden—and serves as a reminder that while the road to recovery is difficult, understanding, openness, honesty and connection are key steps in the process.

This passionate, unfiltered exploration of trauma makes “Under the Knife” a lesser-known but powerful anthem for those wrestling with their own mental health.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk6HMuLJ8bM 

Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=65AKeIRbgCw 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/02Kh0x0TCr1a6pfPQM9T8M?autoplay=true 

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/under-the-knife/1480521253?i=1480521261 

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/tracks/B01LZ66JIN?do=play&agent=googleAssistant&ref=dmm_seo_google_gkp_tracks&explicit=true 

Image Credits: Getty Images