Ever since the human species came into being, we’ve questioned the meaning of life. It’s a quandary that has stumped the greatest philosophers and plagued the most astute thinkers, and so there’s a real beauty in not feeling the weight of this great mystery. In his new single ‘How Life Is’, singer-songwriter Prem Byrne examines this universal experience not through the “whys”, but rather the “hows”. How does one balance joy and grief? How does one contend with youth and age? How to situate oneself between staying the same and changing?
In less than two and a half minutes, Byrne’s voice comes across as so grounded and authentic, with a touch of nostalgic melancholia that matches the energy of looking back on the past. We especially love the chorus, “I guess that’s how life, all the young getting up and getting drunk at the bar, and yeah we can’t fight it, but where we’re all going we won’t need a car.” Byrne pulls off a rare lyrical feat here by simultaneously summing up the carefree attitude of youth and the needlessness for material possessions in the afterlife. The whole track really is a brilliant balancing act.
Aside from the song’s eloquent message, it’s also a compelling blend between pop, rock and folk, with a warm ’80s flavour. Byrne‘s laidback vocals swim alongside dreamy synth textures and alternative percussion. Around a minute in, a relaxing wind instrument melody swoops in, which is an Indian bamboo flute called a bansuri, which is a really tasteful addition to the track.
One of the reasons that ‘How Life Is’ strikes us as such a genuine listen is that Byrne drew inspiration from seeing a family member lose their driving privileges with age, which many of us might also have an experience of. It seems like such a simple act, yet it can change everything about daily life. As such, this song is a reminder to enjoy life as we have it, because it’ll inevitably all change one day.
You can listen to ‘How Life Is’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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