Legends from Long Beach, Joyce Manor, make their return after a three-year break with “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” a vibrant, pop-influenced track influenced by The Smiths, which reflects on life's subtle joys and the warmth found amidst the chill of depression.
Joyce Manor has always been unreserved in their exploration of deep emotions, which has become a signature aspect of their music. Their newest release, “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” maintains this authenticity, although it presents a slightly different sound.
When I look into your eyes
I feel paint on houses dry
Humbly I do accept
Biggest chain around my neck
Why exist?
Who gives a f*?
Lord above Tecate Truck
Bee will sting, bird will nest
Never guess what happens next
Hey, you got me, I was wrong
I was just trying to sing along
Got it wrong, can’t move on
Been awake for far too long
3:00 PM, can’t get dressed
All my friends are so depressed
Released on August 18 through Epitaph, “All My Friends Are So Depressed” follows a three-year hiatus after the 2022 album, 40 oz. to Fresno. This song leans more towards pop compared to the band's earlier works, while the lyrics retain that classic Joyce Manor style, infused with what Johnson describes as “my interpretation of what I imagine Lana Del Rey’s lyrics feel like. Instead of cold, detached, retro Americana, it evokes dirty shag carpets, bong hits, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, key lime pie, and thoughts of suicide.”
The song's rhythm draws significant inspiration from hyperpop giants 100 Gecs, yet it intertwines with musical elements that resonate with The Smiths and Tiger Army.
This eclectic mix of influences results in a truly captivating and upbeat song. While its title suggests a heavier theme, the instrumentation radiates hopefulness, a sentiment that shines through despite the song's somber lyrics. Joyce Manor explains that the song originated from frontman Barry Johnson’s experience driving back to Long Beach.
Easy come and easy go
Dishwasher just overflowed
Key lime pie and Frampton live
Wish that I would f*cking die
Chalk it up to rotten luck
Time and space have come unstuck
I pursue a deeper dream
Kill it with a laser beam
“The first line I came up with for this song was ‘lord above in a Tecate truck’ after seeing a Tecate delivery truck covered in religious imagery on the freeway returning to Long Beach after a show in Fresno,” Johnson shares. “While searching for something to rhyme with ‘lord above in a Tecate truck,’ I thought of ‘why even exist? Who gives a f*ck!?’ and that’s how the idea for ‘All My Friends Are So Depressed’ took shape.”
Though seemingly random, the line about the Tecate truck holds significant meaning. Alcohol can take on a god-like role when everything else seems lost. The blend of anger and irony creates a relatable space that Joyce Manor excels at capturing.
Hey, you got me, I was wrong
I was just trying to sing along
Got it wrong, can’t move on
Been awake for far too long
3:00 PM, can’t get dressed
All my friends are so depressed
Joyce Manor
This search for solace through alcohol and the irony tied to it echoes the human experience, highlighting the warmth found within the coldness of depression. That flicker of irony keeps life intriguing, and “All My Friends Are So Depressed” taps into that fleeting brightness. Johnson’s lyrics encapsulate this awareness, while the instrumentation brings the song together, making it relatable and catchy, especially with its infectious, cathartic chorus.
Listen to “All My Friends Are So Depressed” now, and welcome back, Joyce Manor.
Hey, you got me, I was wrong
I was just trying to sing along
Got it wrong, can’t move on
Been awake for far too long
3:00 PM, can’t get dressed
All my friends are so depressed
Hey, you knew it all along
I was ashamed and I was wrong
Hit the bong, wrote a song
Fell asleep for way too long
Wore a dress, “Last Caress”
All my friends are so depressed
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Long Beach legends Joyce Manor make their comeback after a three-year hiatus with “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” a catchy, pop-oriented song influenced by The Smiths. The track explores life's small moments of brightness and the feeling of warmth amidst the coldness of depression.
