The complex relationships between self-discovery and emotional vulnerability is profoundly depicted in Catlea’s song “Why Them”. The personal struggles that she speaks on throughout the song makes the identity seeking journey so much more relatable to listeners. Catlea’s concept album Language Barrier includes this track which combines many other genres like rock and R&B alongside pop. This diversity gives her music truly unique tones that encompass the deeper meanings of the lyrics. 

Catlea dives deep into her own personal challenges in this particular song. The opening lines bluntly states her gaps in decision making, including her constant desire to remain stagnant. The admission of this confession already shows a level of self-awareness that people often to reflect on their actions and its possible consequences. There’s still a sense of humor within these lines as Catlea ironically states that there should be better coping skills, but in reality, there’s so much room for growth. By having the best blend of pain and humor, those deeper vulnerabilities feel so much realer, which engages listeners even more.

The harsh reality displayed in the song’s chorus displays the reluctant question most do not want to ask: “Why them, not me?” Catlea is pained by feelings of neglect and misunderstanding, particularly in regard to her relationships. Throughout the song, the emotions of frustration and helplessness seem to stem from the feeling of being replaced. Catlea’s sincere internal conflict strikes a chord with those who have endured the hurt of self-criticism or a lack of affection from family and friends. 

As the sung goes on, the lyrics become more self-reflective regarding another person and the urge they have to not be lonely. Time spent on the phone with other people instantly seem to reveal the otherwise hidden everyday glasses of loneliness, in the same way it is done for most people. The yearning to connect yet simultaneously feeling trapped amidst the crowd’s noise is a common feeling. Those battling their own demons while in search of companionship are captured in this song, which serves as a reminder of the conflicting emotions everyone has to deal with. 

In the bridge, Catlea uses bold metaphors to depict the height of emotional and physical pain that one can experience. In lines such as, “Do you feel the oxygen your lungs leaving?” and, “Do you feel the blood on your tongue?”, Catlea vividly describes the sensation of heart ache and it’s suffocating nature using very powerful imagery. This vividly describes how much emotional pain she can inflict upon herself. The emotions of the one asking the questions, and the questions themselves emphasize the complexity of pain, wondering if everyone around her is simply consumed in their issues and cannot peer outside their box to perceive or feel the suffering she’s presently enduring. 

The song is composed in one tone throughout. Where Catlea has made confusion, heartbreak, and the stress of relationships throughout the lyrics, she also balances it out with an image of self-sufficiency. The question, “Why them, not me?” transforms out of self-doubt and evolves into a timid yet assured recognition of her worth. Amid all dreadful things, Catlea seems to be in this phase of recognizing her own value, a stark transformation in which she begins to query why exactly does she need people’s validation? This development is pivotal within the song, as Catlea progresses toward self-realization and healing, fundamentally painful to bear, but becomes a sign of self-empowerment.

The upbeat solo pop tune infused with sex appeal is what gives “Why Them” its emotional and vibrant undertone. The song triangulates the fragile tenderness of the lyric’s emotions with the confident, uplifting energy of the music to create a piece which is both introspective and anthemic. It’s the song for anybody who finds it difficult to cope with their definition of home, a relationship, and their place in the grand scheme of the world, hoping anyone undergoing any form of self-discovery, aids hope. Catlea combines emotional depth with extreme musical creativity, which makes “Why Them” an astonishing piece in her growing collection of work.