JILIAAN tells a poignant story of rejection and self-loathing in the single Loser. The lyrics capture the painful feeling of trying again and again, but never feeling like they are enough. The internal struggle is something most people can relate to and JILIAAN makes it feel so personal and real.

The repetition of attempts and failures for the “always the choice that comes second” candidate hits hard — particularly when trying to break out of that cycle. JILIAAN captures the reality of someone who strives tirelessly, into the void of effort, desperate for things to shift in their favor, only to be left with the grim and sobering truth that they aren’t the one picked. It isn’t sadness alone, but a whirlpool of anger, real letdown, and a silent desire to be valued and recognized that runs deeper than the sadness.

Returning to the struggle of trying to escape the box layed out by society’s perception as a loser, what makes the lyrics even stronger is the duality of blending muffled sadness with a longing to shed that identity. There is also a sense of push and pull fighting against one’s will—they tug in the direction of surrender, while you hope for victory on the other. Although more often than not, JILIAAN goes through moments where she feels utterly devoid of hope, there is always an ember of defiance that ignites in wanting to escape that identity of a loser.

The part wanting to be the new her is a devastating blend of jealousy and yearning while also a desire to change and better oneself. The pain gives the lyrics emotional depth. That ember of hope obscured in the wound gives the lyrics emotional depth.

In general, Loser by JILIAAN is a more than a sad song—it is an artfully crafted profoundly delicate work of self-worth and the struggle to believe in oneself when everything tells you otherwise.