Tapping into a stoic mantra, young artist Arlo Parks meditates on pain and its eventual passing in her newest single, “Hurt.”
“Hurt” is about the sting of unpleasant experiences, but also about healing — exploring the notion that feeling pain in the first place means the bad experience has already happened, so eventually this too shall pass.
“‘Hurt’ surrounds the possibility of healing from pain and the temporary nature of suffering,” says Parks. “It is supposed to uplift and comfort those going through hard times.”
Parks’ song follows the life of a young man experiencing inner turmoil. It seems certain moments have worn on him, but Parks chimes in with a reassuring chorus, reminding her song’s subject that he won’t always be in so much pain.
“I know you can’t let go of anything at the moment. Just know it won’t hurt so, won’t hurt so much forever, won’t hurt so much,” Parks sings.
Paired with a soft toned and milky music video, the song soars and vibrates, radiating a silky smooth croon from Parks whose velvety vocals melt into an even richer melody.
In the music video, vivid but interpretive images taken like snapshots from a person’s life are intertwined with that of a graceful and uninhibited dancer. Played by the same actor, we see the self trapped in pain and then set free from it; the use of dance to interpret Park’s lyrics beautifully captures the transition of energy from negative to positive as time beats on to heal life’s wounds.
Along with her new single, Parks also has a new album she’s been working on. For more on her music and upcoming releases, visit her website or follow her on social media.
Words: Patti Sanchez
