Rina Sawayama

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Girl in the corner, stirring her soda
Biting the shit out of her straw
Ready to go out, only her body tells her no
Pretty but sad inside, isn't she beautiful?
Queen of the ball even when she's home alone

[Pre-Chorus]
And she said
I'm not here for love tonight
The way you touch just don't feel right
Used to feelin' things so cold
Minimizin' windows
Pictures lit by electric lights
Fiction, fact, boundaries collide
Find me in my palm so bright
Cyber Stockholm Syndrome

[Chorus 1]
Came here on my own, party on my phone
Came here on my own but I start to feel alone
Better late than never, so I'll be alright
Happiest whenever I'm with you online

[Verse 2]
Better together
Ever the overrated touch
I am connected, I am the girl you want to watch
Lips full of glitter glow, spinnin' like mirror-balls
Phone in a strobe, stuck in a crazy cyber-world
[Pre-Chorus]
And she said
I'm not here for love tonight
The way you touch just don't feel right
Used to feelin' things so cold
Cyber Stockholm Syndrome

[Chorus 1]
Came here on my own, party on my phone
Came here on my own but I start to feel alone
Better late than never, so I'll be alright
Happiest whenever I'm with you online

[Chorus 2]
In my 4 by 3, they can't get to me
Free to roam all over my cyber fantasy
Better late than never but I am alright
Happiest whenever I'm with you online

[Interlude]
Now you see her flying high speed
'Cross the distant galaxy
Candy cane your heart out
Burn bright, don't burn out

[Outro]
Came here on my own, party on my phone
Came here on my own but I start to feel alone
Better late than never, so I'll be alright
Happiest whenever I'm with you online
(Came here on my own)

Do you ever feel like you're trapped in a virtual world? A world where time seems to slip away and your free will is compromised? That's the concept behind Rina Sawayama's captivating single, "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome." Released on March 23, 2017, as part of her debut EP, "RINA," this song delves into the conflicting emotions and experiences of navigating the digital landscape.

About Cyber Stockholm Syndrome

"Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" is a song that embodies the juxtaposition of happiness and sadness, honesty and autobiography. Rina Sawayama poured her heart and soul into this track, dedicating two years to rewriting and revising it. She wrestled with the profound beauty and anxiety that exists within the realm of digital life.

Before embarking on this musical journey, Rina viewed the internet as a captor of our time and free will. But through her exploration, she began to see the potential for a positive relationship with our online selves – an act of self-preservation and defiance against the negative aspects. In this age, the digital world offers vital support networks, voices of solidarity, refuge, and even escape. Rina, who identifies as a socially anxious individual, believes that the internet can actually liberate marginalized people, ultimately inspiring the essence behind "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome": a mixture of pessimism, optimism, anxiety, and freedom.

The track captivates listeners with its thought-provoking lyrics and infectious melody. Rina explores the complexities of our digital lives, highlighting how we are simultaneously captivated and imprisoned by the allure of technology. With an informal tone and personal pronouns, the song creates a conversational atmosphere that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

As the song progresses, Rina expresses her deep-seated ambivalence towards the digital world. She acknowledges the beauty of digital existence, one that offers endless possibilities for self-expression and connection, yet simultaneously fears its potential to consume us. This internal struggle is beautifully portrayed through the captivating melodies and emotionally charged vocals.

With its unforgettable chorus and catchy beats, "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" is a sonic journey through the emotional terrain of our digital lives. Rina masterfully blends her unique pop sound with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a well-rounded experience for her listeners. Through her music, she encourages us to confront our fears and embrace the positive aspects of our interconnected world.

While the song presents a nuanced perspective on the digital age, it also serves as a reminder that we have the power to shape our online experiences. Rina urges listeners to forge meaningful connections, seek refuge when necessary, and embrace the liberating potential of the internet.

In essence, "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" encapsulates the perplexity and burstiness of our digital lives. It delves into the emotional rollercoaster of optimism and pessimism, anxiety and freedom, bringing to light the intricacies and contradictions of our online existence.

So the next time you find yourself immersed in the world of social media or caught in a loop of digital consumption, take a moment to listen to Rina Sawayama's "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome." Let her music guide you on a journey of self-reflection and contemplation, reminding you that even in the midst of our digital captivation, we have the power to break free.

• Release Date: March 23, 2017
• Artist: Rina Sawayama