Released: 2024
“Take My Soul Back” by Josh A is an introspective song that navigates themes of self-battle, personal growth, and the enduring fight against internal darkness. Through a journey of overcoming depression and self-doubt, Josh A tells a compelling narrative about carving out his own path and learning lessons the hard way, ultimately taking control of his life and legacy.
In the opening lines, Josh A sets the tone for the song by expressing a sense of completion and readiness to reclaim his own spirit. The phrase “take my soul back” is a metaphor for regaining control and direction in life. He speaks about being in a state of stagnation, with “nowhere to go,” but he resolves to change this by fighting his inner demons, described as the devil, without relying on anyone else.
As he continues, he reflects on his past at the age of twenty-three, highlighting the doubt he faced from others who didn’t believe in his potential. The lyric “thought I’d never make it, now it’s just another memory” signifies overcoming the skepticism and negativity he once experienced. It’s an indication that he has grown beyond those limiting perceptions.
Josh A candidly opens up about his struggle with depression, a common theme in many of his works. Here, he acknowledges that his mental health battles made him his “own enemy.” This powerful admission serves to underline the often-overlooked truth that many battles are fought within the mind, a space where one can be both adversary and ally.
As he progresses to the age of twenty-seven, the artist shifts the narrative to his current endeavors, “carvin’ out my legacy.” This signifies an active process of shaping his future, learning from the past and using those experiences to guide his current decisions and actions. This stage of his life is marked by growth and self-awareness, elements essential for building a legacy.
Josh A addresses the slow, agonizing passage of time that accompanies self-loathing with the line “all the days go slow when you hate yourself.” However, he provides a silver lining by encouraging change, insisting “you can change if you want to,” suggesting that personal transformation is always possible if one chooses it.
A reflective stance on personal development continues with Josh’s determination to improve himself despite knowing his imperfections. The realization that “every day’s another lesson” reflects his ongoing journey to self-betterment and the intrinsic value of pursuing it despite past mistakes.
There’s a notable mention of not wanting to follow the typical path to stardom—”don’t wanna be a rockstar,” juxtaposed with the idea of fame’s unseen costs. Josh warns against losing oneself and becoming isolated in pursuit of fame, noting “you won’t get that time back,” highlighting the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of authenticity over image.
A recurring refrain throughout the song sees Josh confronting the hard truths and struggles he faced, emphasized by lines like “had to learn it all the hard way.” These repeated expressions act as reminders of the persistent challenges and his resolve to not fall back into those “dark days.”
The song closes reinforcing Josh A’s reclaimed autonomy over his life and soul, embodying a cyclical reminder of his personal growth from darkness to a self-made legacy. With themes that echo struggles of mental health and self-identity, Josh’s lyrical narrative resonates deeply, appealing to those navigating similar journeys of self-discovery and resilience.
