The track starts with a fuzzy two-chord arpeggio. It creates a gloomy atmosphere due to the notes used. The works of Dostoevsky, Kafka, Camus, and Tarkovsky inspire this track. These authors share a commonality: their approach to a philosophical theory known as existentialism. In a nutshell, it’s a belief in creating purpose or meaning in our own lives.
What makes it even more interesting is that most of the books those authors wrote are among the most heartbreaking and moving pieces known to mankind. I was personally moved by “Crime and Punishment” by Dostoevsky and “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka, hence resonating the first few lines of the song with the phrases / You are not beautiful / I’m afraid to die / which reflect some of the themes from these gentlemen’s inspirations.
What I like about FHMY & AQL is that after I reviewed “My Blue Heaven,” which I thought was the best piece of music that Cairo, Egypt has heard, they decided to up the anthem and release “I Keep on Not Dying.”
The lyrics and music work hand in hand. Every time I listen to this track, I feel as if I’m seeing my life flash before my eyes. Having this instrumental part in the latter part of the song works its magic because of the heaviness of the lyrics in the first part. I feel that if these gentlemen added lyrics to that instrumental part, it would not have the same effect. You are designed to feel the music. It’s telling a story. It helps listeners like me realize and dig deep into the lyrics of the song.
In my honest opinion, this track should not have worked because it defies all the marketing strategies I have personally studied that typically succeed. The catchy and quirky lyrics, the welcoming feel of a song, and much more—but for some reason, “I Keep On Not Dying” is not and will not be on that level.
This track is for true music lovers. The ones who use their brains to think and appreciate music, not because it’s the latest trend or the newest danceable song on TikTok. No, no, no, my friend. It’s way beyond that. It’s a piece of music that connects its elements. If it were edited differently, it would not honor the authors they drew inspiration from.
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About the Author
He has been in the music industry for two and a half decades. Currently, he plays bass guitar for a rock-reggae band called EnjointPh and a funk-fusion trio called Banky. He also hosts a podcast titled Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, which explores topics such as music, arts, and philosophy.
