PARTICLE X
Q Can you tell me what inspired the theme of choice and balance in “50/50”?
The words for this song were written some 10 years ago. I (Idan) walked a friend of mine, whose mother was in the last stages of a deadly brain tumor. There were moments I was walking alone in the halls of the department facing different patients with similar disease.
I had the chance and privilege to speak to some of them, and one of them whom I had the chance to speak with told me about her fear of tomorrow’s surgery. How the surgery may be lethal, or save her life. The decision she made to even take that surgery… or simply live what’s left of her life.
I felt her resilience, courage, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Q How much of the song reflects your personal experiences versus a story you wanted to tell?
I feel lucky to not have been in the shoes of who I wrote the song about. Through most of my lyrics, I love expressing other people’s stories. They need to be heard, the simple people’s life and struggles are important as much as the rest of us and the fabric of humanity is made of people facing different issues that some of us cannot even imagine. I hope that 50/50 brings the chance for any listener to know that there are people who would love and appreciate so much a shoulder through their struggle.
Q The lyrics explore fear and hope—how do you personally cope with those feelings in your life?
I know that fear is natural. Overcoming it is supernatural, and we all have it in us to overcome our fear and see the light.
There are times I feel the fear of wrong choices, but I truly believe that making a good decision needs to be from both points of moral and hope perspective.
Q What made you choose the title “50/50” for this song?
The hero of 50/50 could decide to live the rest of his life without the decision of “gamble”. I wrote the story of the song from a man’s perspective.
He has a few months predicted for him, without recovery or risks…
He chose to try and live more, and continue fighting the disease.
Q In the pre-chorus, you talk about overcoming obstacles—was there a particular moment in your life that inspired this?
Pretty much yes. I believe we all do in different shape or form, conflict with struggles in our life.
Q How did you approach writing lyrics that are both personal and universal?
When I write, I often begin from a very personal emotion or memory, but I always ask myself “how can someone else connect to this?” For 50/50, I didn’t want it to just be about one person in a hospital room. I wanted it to represent everyone who’s ever faced a difficult choice, stood in front of fear, or had to make peace with uncertainty. That’s what makes one individual’s moment into something all of us can see ourselves in. When you dig into the origins of what the song is about, it is about this story.
Q What does the idea of two paths, one dark and one light, represent for you personally?
For me, those two paths are not only about life or death, but about the choices we make every day. Darkness is the easy escape, giving up. Light is the decision to fight, to endure, to keep going even when the odds aren’t in your favor. Personally, I see those two paths every time I face something overwhelming. It reminds me that even when the dark path looks scarier, easy to fall to, and more realistic, the slightest light (faith) which is way harder to keep up with, may beat the unknown.
Q Can you tell me more about the concept of saying goodbye that appears in the song?
The idea of saying goodbye is controversial. On the surface, it’s the literal goodbye someone might say if they don’t survive. But deeper than that, it’s about letting go of fear, regrets, and even the versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown.
Q How long did it take you to write the lyrics for “50/50”?
Surprisingly, it only took me a few days to write the lyrics. It felt like the song wrote itself naturally..?
I had some refinements and reshaping of the words with the help of my bandmates, but the essence and meaning of it remained.
Q The song reflects on the impact of negativity—how do you stay positive when creating music?
I think that I learnt to accept that even if the craziest thing that happens today to you, may look like a little funny memory in a couple of days or years from now. From my experience I learnt it’s all for the favor. Literally looking back at what seemed to be the end of the world back then, came to be good for me.
I also take into account that other people will read and maybe even repeat my words… so I have the responsibility to deliver a positive influence.
Q Were there any specific artists or songs that influenced the lyrical style of “50/50”?
To 50/50, no other influence than people’s life experience which I had the privilege to witness.
Q How do you want listeners to feel after hearing this song?
I’d love to know that the listeners did find a crossing point from their own struggle, and I’d be glad to know that their understanding of the song is from its positive meaning.
Q The song talks about dreams and aspirations—do you see it as motivational for yourself or your audience?
I see dreaming and believing as our nuclear power source. Our internal energy that will run through our day to day. With all the hardship of life, we are still living it, and we better do it right and optimistic.
Q Do you feel that writing “50/50” helped you process your own struggles?
I feel that the little man’s voice is not loud enough. I believe that if I have the stage to present issues or encounters, I should do that.
Perhaps it’s helping me process my own struggles.. Thank you for pointing it out!
Q If you could summarize the core message of the song in one sentence, what would it be?
I won’t give up on nothing, on my way to dream some more.
Q Can you tell me more about the concept of saying goodbye that appears in the song?
This is literally the possible outcome for the brave people who choose their little (yes 50% is little) chances to live.
Q How long did it take you to write the lyrics for “50/50”?
I believe it took 3 to 4 days, but overtime it was adjusted.
Q The song reflects on the impact of negativity—how do you stay positive when creating music?
I thank my parents for always teaching me to look at the bright side even if it’s hard 🫶❤️
Q How do you want listeners to feel after hearing this song?
Hopeful and resilient.
Q If you could summarize the core message of the song in one sentence, what would it be?
Choose life.
