Many aspects of our everyday lives are defined by the consequences of a series of choices we must make on a daily basis. These choices are often influenced by what we assume will yield the greatest end result, which choices will best benefit our careers, our social lives, our mental health. Other times, we allow others to dictate the choices we make: the pressure of parents, friends, significant others.
On Rationale’s vibrant yet reserved track “Vessels,” he grapples with the demand of choices in a manner that reassures its subject that sometimes putting yourself first doesn’t necessarily mean putting others on the back burner. “Don’t be another empty vessel, free your mind,” he sings before presenting two options: “You could run away, or you could be mine.” Normally this would put the subject in a difficult headspace, contemplating the pros and cons of escaping routine life, or accepting restraint in return for sharing their life with another.
Luckily, the subject doesn’t have to make this decision, because there’s no reason they can’t have it both ways. “Whatever you are chasing, I’ll be waiting here for you,” Rationale croons, offering reassurance. People like this, those who will be supportive of whatever choices you make with your best interest in mind rather than theirs, are imperative figures to have in life. They are the ones who will allow you to explore and avoid the possibility of becoming an empty vessel.
You can learn more about Rationale here:
About The Curator - Larisha Paul
Larisha Paul is a journalism student at New York University with a beat in music, which is entirely fitting considering the way she lives life.
She’s the friend who always sends new music recommendations to the group chat saying, “This reminded me of you” or “This sounds like something you would like.” She’s the type of person who is constantly being talked out of impulsively buying concert tickets–but does it anyway, and the person who is always in charge of providing the perfect playlist for long drives, or for just hanging out.
She’ll talk to anyone about music for as long as they’ll let her, but please don’t ask her to narrow down her favorite anything (songs, albums, artists, bands) because she’d rather not have an actual breakdown.