Bleu (better with time): A Song of Love and Emotional Recovery by Fred Again
[stm_post_details]Music has an extraordinary ability to touch our souls and evoke powerful emotions. For me, music can serve as a source of healing and comfort, especially when dealing with past traumas. Fred Again’s music hits me deep in the feels with powerful lyrics, soulful melodies, and incredible orchestration of sounds which make up most of his “Actual Life” songs. I chose this song today because of the mantra “I just know that it get better with time”.
The song was written around Dr. Los Tonkin’s Growing Around Grief model. According to Dr. Tonkin, the idea of growing around grief is not that our grief will be diminished over time like I had assumed that it would, but rather that we would grow larger than our grief. In the many depictions of Tonkin’s model, the theme remains the same: our grief does not go away, but we grow larger. I’ll add that we can only grow larger than our grief if we incrementally enlarge our life to outpace the grief in our lives.

Bleu (better with time) relates to the process of healing from past trauma inflicted by someone we love. We delve into the lyrics, the emotions they evoke, and how this song can guide us on a journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Unearthing the Pain
The opening lines of the song paint a vivid picture of a past trauma that has left deep emotional scars. The lyrics speak of wounds inflicted by someone we love, someone who was supposed to provide solace and support. As we listen, we are transported back to those moments of vulnerability and pain, allowing us to confront our own experiences of trauma. The song becomes a vessel for expressing the emotions we may have suppressed for far too long.
Embracing the Healing Process
In the chorus, the lyrics offer a glimmer of hope, reminding us that healing is possible. The words “I just know that it get better with time” suggest that wounds, though they may seem gut-wrenching and painful, can gradually fade and transform into strength. The repetition of this phrase serves as a mantra, encouraging us to believe in our ability to heal and grow. As we internalize these lines, we begin to embrace the healing process, recognizing that time is a powerful ally in our journey toward recovery.
Finding Empowerment
The second verse explores the aftermath of trauma, where the scars have started to heal, and a sense of empowerment emerges. The lyrics convey the resilience and newfound strength from overcoming past pain. By acknowledging our experiences, we can reclaim our power and refuse to let our trauma define us. The song becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and growth, reminding us that we are not defined by the wounds inflicted upon us.
Forgiveness and Release
The bridge of the song serves as a pivotal moment, addressing the complex emotions surrounding forgiveness. The lyrics delicately navigate the process of letting go and finding peace within ourselves. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the actions that caused our trauma. Instead, it is about releasing the burden that weighs us down, freeing ourselves from the chains of resentment. The song encourages us to embrace forgiveness as a powerful tool for healing, allowing us to move forward with compassion and self-love.
Conclusion: A Journey Towards Healing
“Bleu (Better with Time)” is a poignant anthem for those seeking healing from past trauma inflicted by someone they love. Once you’ve heard it though, you’ll be well on your way to boxes of tissue paper because of the cathartic tears that will come pouring down your face, but it’s a good thing. Through its raw and introspective lyrics, the song also invites us to confront our pain, embrace the healing process, and find empowerment in our journey toward recovery. By acknowledging our wounds, forgiving when necessary, and nurturing ourselves with time, we can gradually transform our pain into strength. As we listen to this song, we are reminded that healing is not a linear path, but rather a personal and transformative journey that ultimately leads us to a place of self-discovery, growth, and love.
