Bipolar Disorder Through Music

The first musician that comes to mind when thinking about Bipolar Disorder is Ludwig Von Beethoven. Beethoven is believed to have suffered from Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic Depression) mainly because of his relationship problems and his up and down cycle of moods and composition. It is not known for certain, but many believe this theory. I'd like to think that I have something in common with him.

Peter Gabriel is rumored to have Bipolar Disorder. Many famous people, just like others with mental health disorders, hide their illness. I don't know him personally, of course, however, know his music. His song "No Self Control" screams Bipolar Disorder or drug use, possibly both. The music is almost trance-like and the lyrics are powerful although repetitive.

Jimi Hendrix is one of the most talented musicians of all time. It is rumored that he had Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) because of his lifestyle and music. It is also rumored that he wrote the song "Manic Depression" after being accused of sounding like a Manic Depressive during an interview. Either way, the song does give an accurate account of the way some people with Bipolar Disorder feel.

The song lyrics are orange, my interpretation of the lyrics is in white below the lyric.

Song Lyrics

My Interpretation Of The Lyrics

What else should I be

asking what he should be (other than a musician or himself)

All apologies

apologizing for who he is

What else should I say

asking what he should say and he's insinuating he says the wrong things

Everyone is gay

saying everyone is happy but me

What else could I write

asking what else could he write about other than himself - his feelings - his life

I don't have the right

saying he doesn't have the right to write about things he doesn't know

What else should I be

Asking what he should be other than himself

All apologies

apologizing for being who he is

In the sun

this part could be talking about mania

In the sun I feed as one

referring to being selfish when manic

In the sun

this part could be talking about mania

In the sun

this part could be talking about mania

I'm married

married=committed - committed to a hospital for treatment

Buried

depressed again

I wish I was like you

wishing he was normal

Easily amused

easily made happy

Find my nest of salt

his stash of drugs to help self medicate

Everything is my fault

he has a lot of guilt

I'll take all the blame

taking blame for his actions

Aqua sea foam shame

He's depressed "Blue" and feels ashamed

Sunburn with freezerburn

"sunburn" referring to the effects of mania on his life coupled with "freezerburn" referring to the effects of depression on his life

Choking on the ashes of her enemy

suffering from the lasting effects of Bipolar Disorder(sees death looming over him)

All in all we all are

There is no help - he is who he is and that's all he can be