Shelves of Self-Discovery | Good Days | SZA

The song 'Good Days' by SZA, a creative powerhouse and soulful crooner, dazzles with its layered lyricism, exploring themes of loss, resilience, hope, and self-awareness. Released at the tail-end of 2020, this song became a beacon of optimism for listeners navigating through uncertain times.

At its heart, 'Good Days' is a personal exploration of pain and perseverance. SZA delves into introspection with the lyrics, conveying her past struggles with regret and self-deprecation. The evocative verse, "Good day in my mind, safe to take a step out... Holding on, past is wasted", paints a vivid mental image of the journey towards healing from a past relationship and a progress towards self-love.

Simultaneously, 'Good Days' also expertly addresses the universal feeling of loss and holding on to hope in an uncertain future, a sentiment that resonates with a global audience grappling with the ongoing pandemic and other personal setbacks. This is especially evident in the lines, "I'ma keep my feelings on a shelf", and "Can't convince myself, when I'm speaking, it's the better me." In these moments, SZA appears to be telling her listeners that it's alright to have bad days, provided they do not lose sight of a brighter future.

Adding another layer of interpretation, 'Good Days' also explores the theme of mental health. SZA has been open about her journey with depression and anxiety in the real world. The lyric “Still worried that I wasted the best of me on you, babe” suggests an ongoing internal dialogue about self-worth, a common trait among those dealing with mental health issues.

The song beautifully balances melancholy with optimism. The music employs a dreamy sonic landscape which creates an atmosphere that is both soothing and reflective, enhancing the contemplative mood of the song. The beauty of 'Good Days' lies in its raw and honest portrayal of personal struggles, honouring the pain and hope that are part of human life.

In conclusion, SZA's 'Good Days' serves as an anthem of resilience, an introspective dive into mental health and self-improvement, a poignant reflection on love and loss, as well as a hopeful promise of brighter days. It's the kind of song that encapsulates 2020: a year filled with hardship, self-reflection, and an unwavering hope for a better future.