Serotonin

Album: If I Could Make It Go Quiet (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • I'm running low on serotonin
    Chemical imbalance got me twisting things
    Stabilize with medicine


    Serotonin is a chemical in the body that regulates mood. It is believed to be a contributor to well-being and happiness; if one's brain does not produce enough serotonin, it leads to depression. Here, Marie Ulven (aka Girl in Red) paints a picture of her struggles with mental health.
  • During the song, Ulven details her demons, which include intrusive thoughts where she considers self-harm and even suicide.

    I get intrusive thoughts like cutting my hands off
    Like jumping in front of a bus
    Like how do I make this stop


    Ulvin explained to the BBC that she's had intrusive thoughts since her early teens, "Thinking I'm going to jump out of a window, thinking I'm going to jump in front of the train. It's really intense and you feel like you have to fight with yourself like to not do it."
  • The Norwegian songstress penned "Serotonin" after starting therapy in 2020. She said the analysis has helped her understand her impulsive thoughts and get them "out of my system."
  • Written entirely by Ulven, she released the song on March 3, 2021 as a single from her If I Could Make It Go Quiet debut album. Girl in Red penned and demoed the 11 tracks at her Oslo home during the coronavirus lockdown.

    "I really poured my heart into a lot of these lyrics, fully," she told American Songwriter. "I just feel like I emptied myself in this album."
  • Ulven made the eight-hour drive across Norway to Bergen where she recorded the album with producer Matias Tellez. Billie Eilish's brother and songwriter partner, Finneas, helped give "Serotonin" a vibrant art-pop sheen after meeting the singer backstage at a festival in 2019.
  • Girl in Red made her US TV debut when she performed this song on the May 3, 2021 episode of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.