One song that really caught me off guard when I first heard it was one suggested to me by Apple Music, called “I Am Mine” by Beta Radio. Lyrically crafted by Benjamin Mabry and Brent Holloman, this tune seems to capture these elements with an uncanny resonance.

“I Am Mine” invites us to contemplate our self-identity, while simultaneously celebrating the quirks and eccentricities that foster genuine human connection. At its core, the song grapples with themes of individualism and autonomy. The introductory lines, “I am mine, I am my own,” set the stage by emphasizing a sense of self-ownership.

This is a great hook. Societal expectations, peer pressures, and external influences constantly vie for our attention and compliance. So, this assertion of autonomy acts as a defiant stance against such limiting norms. The next line “Said the ancients years ago” evokes ancient wisdom, as to remind us of our most revered ancestors, who recognized the value of individualism.

However, the song’s narrative quickly juxtaposes this feeling of independence with the fleeting nature of existence. The following lines “Apples and pears rotten lie” and “The eulogy itself can write” poetically allude to the transient nature of our lives.

The song then waxes melancholy for long dead champions of individualism. This twist in the tune prompts us to reflect on our vulnerabilities and the inevitability of our mortality. Essentially, while each of us can claim autonomy, the passage of time is something none of us can escape.

Amid these profound reflections, the song takes a heartwarming turn, emphasizing the beauty of human connection. “If you’re strange, Then I would love to meet you.” This line holds the deepest personal significance for me. Not only does it celebrate the quirks and nuances that make us unique as individuals, but it reminds me personally of meeting my wife Emily online in 2020.

By seeking out those who are “strange,” or different, we can find comfort in shared oddities, forging bonds that transcend physical boundaries. Yet, ironically, social media has made us all more antisocial than ever. We often find it pushing those of us who are odd or otherwise different to the margins; some of us eventually drift entirely out of the digital sphere. So, it’s especially ironic that I was primarily a social media account manager for over a decade, yet now I have almost nothing to do with any major social platforms.

This line also touches upon our universal longing for acceptance. When society often prioritizes conformity, being labeled “strange” can feel isolating. However, by expressing a desire to connect with those who are different, these songwriters not only challenge societal norms, but also provide some hope to those of us who feel out of place or mislaid in their current situations.

The refrain, “Soon, I will be new,” encapsulates a yearning for renewal and transformation. As life’s trials and tribulations take their toll, the desire to start afresh, to be “new,” is a sentiment many can relate to, especially myself.

In its entirety, “I Am Mine” is a lyrical masterwork, beautifully laced with introspection and connection. It reminds us of the power of self-assertion, the fleeting nature of existence, and the unparalleled beauty of genuine human bonds. For my wife and I, this song serves as a poignant reminder of the serendipitous power of genuine connection. It’s like a theme song to our first online meeting and our shared journey since.

In a world filled with noise and discord, it’s these heartfelt compositions that ground us, reminding us of who we are, where we’ve been, and the endless possibilities that await us. Beta Radio’s “I Am Mine” is an anthem for introspection and love in all its strange and wonderful forms. The record this song is on, titled “Colony of Bees,” was released in 2014 and it saddens me that it was lost to me until now.

Check out the music video of “I Am Mine” on YouTube.

~ Artemis Desertsong, The Phoenix Desertsong