Hold on to the Shattered Light | Mouthful Of Diamonds | Phantogram

"Mouthful of Diamonds" by Phantogram is a hauntingly beautiful song that weaves together dark lyrics with a catchy, atmospheric melody. At its core, the song is about the pain of losing someone you love, and the desperation to hold on to what's left.
The lyrics, sung by lead vocalist Sarah Barthel, are a poignant exploration of grief and longing. She sings about the memories that linger long after someone has passed away, like "a mouthful of diamonds" - precious but ultimately unattainable treasures. The song's chorus, with its soaring vocals and pulsing synths, captures the anguish of trying to hold on to those memories, even as they slip away.
Musically, "Mouthful of Diamonds" is a masterclass in tension and release. Phantogram's signature blend of indie rock and electronic elements creates a sense of unease, like the feeling you get when you're waiting for something to happen but it never does. And then, just when you think things are going to stay stuck in neutral, the song drops into a heavy, distorted riff that sends everything spinning out of control.
Despite its dark themes, "Mouthful of Diamonds" is ultimately a hopeful song - a testament to the human spirit's ability to find beauty in even the most desperate situations. As Barthel sings about the diamonds left behind, you can't help but feel a sense of resolve, like no matter how much pain and heartache we've experienced, we'll always find a way to rise above it and keep moving forward.
