Review: "Death of a Pacifist" - Maddie Ettrich
- Hanna Kowal
- Oct 18, 2024
- 2 min read
"Death of a Pacifist" by Maddie Ettrich takes on the lesson that you can't let people walk all over you, even if it's someone you love. In a devastating and important realization, the song begins with the words "I wipe your tears with my wounds still bleeding". I was meaningfully struck with the way this dramatic image was so casually introduced, making putting the needs of a person above the speaker's own seem commonplace. Moving onto biblical absolution of the person who wronged her, that empathy for the speaker is drawn out. Immediately plunged into the selfless self-neglect, I was hoping for a change in the speaker's fate. This song delivered to that end, offering a satisfying expression of staying strong.
Evolving into a person who prioritizes herself, the speaker says, "I'll haunt you like the ghost of your worst days". The lyrics don't speak out of anger, but acceptance that sometimes you have to change your ways to protect yourself. Mourning a kind and non-confrontational version of herself, the speaker finds the strength to stand up for her own needs and wellbeing. She stops being her ex's safety in order to become her own. Bones, burial, and hauntings in the lyrics bring a sense of rebirth through death, spreading the comforting message that becoming your own person can allow you to discover an entirely new version of yourself. Get lost in the relief of learning to prioritize yourself through this impeccably empowering track.
A comforting gentle sound reflects the journey of change and resolution in this song. Maddie's angelic and light vocals carry wisdom in their tone, and the genuine purity in her singing pushes forward the belief that the speaker of this song is truly a good person. Strings, high, simple piano, and guitar support the delicate themes of the track with a somber and harmonious sound. With lyrics of sharp revelation and a sound as soothing as a lullaby, this song truly represents what happens when a kind soul is pushed to their breaking point. Even in the harshest of thoughts, the tune is captivatingly delicate. Layered vocals lift listeners into an ethereal goodbye to the speaker's former self. Fans of soft songs by Julien Baker or Maya Hawke will feel right at home with this blend of introspection and tranquil vindication.
Maddie Ettrich is a Nashville-based indie pop-rock artist from Canada. She folds her artistic talents from various walks of creativity, as a singer, songwriter, designer, and guitarist, into her music. Iconic throaty vocals and enthralling lyrics make up Maddie's exciting style. Last year, she released her debut EP "I Think the Party's Over", and she has several singles in her discography that showcase her sound. She performs at various venues and bars in Tennessee like The Mockingbird Theater, and has an upcoming show at The Basement. Check out the links below to keep up with her music!
Written By Hanna Kowal
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