Brye reclaims her autonomy with her latest single, ‘Body Back’
On March 28th, the American singer-songwriter, Brye released her latest indie-pop single, Body Back.
Written, produced and recorded entirely by herself, Body Back is a testament to Brye’s courage in speaking up for herself and others, and her ability to preserve emotions as authentically as possible within a song.
Before moving ahead, we want to take a moment to say that the following review will contain mentions of coercion and sexual assault. With April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, it’s a great reminder that we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected by listening and standing up for one another - part of which is by breaking the silence.
Here’s a link to some important resources for those who need it.
Within her March 10th Instagram post, Brye explained the origins of her latest song:
”When I wrote Body Back, I was fresh off the realisation of what had happened to me. I was angry. I was raw. I didn’t write it with the intention of it being consumed by hundreds of thousands of people. I had no idea how many people would relate to it. I had no idea how many of you would find your own pain, your own experiences, mirrored in my words. Through this song, I have found solace, reassurance, and unwavering support in a situation that often left me questioning my own reality.”
Originally posted as an emotionally raw demo with just Brye and her guitar, Body Back was first called ‘A song about coercion.’
“I wonder all the time if I’m ready for this song to be out in the world,” Brye continued. “Some days, the answer is yes. Most days, it’s no. It’s terrifying to lay something so personal bare, to know that once it’s out there, I can’t take it back. Despite my anxieties, my resistance and self-consciousness, it became overwhelmingly clear that this song means something to so many of you, and that is why I’m releasing it. Not because it’s easy. Not because I feel ready. But because it matters. Because I know I’m not alone in this. And if this song can give even one person the validation, the comfort, or the strength that I’ve found in writing it, then it deserves to exist.”
With the opening lines of Body Back, Brye sings: “My body knew something I didn’t / Okay, I knew but I wouldn’t admit it.” Singing to the person who has hurt and betrayed her, Brye sets the scene of the relationship: “All of my instincts you somehow dulled / You made it so inconvenient to say no.”
Next comes the chorus, where we shift to the present. “I’m getting back in my body, and getting my body back,” she repeats three times, self-soothing as she gains the confidence to set her newfound boundaries: No means no, and she’s in control of the narrative now.
In the second verse, Brye recalls, “You say that it didn’t happen the way that I remember / The way that it happened / And you walk it back and say it wasn’t on purpose / A misunderstanding, a one-off occurrence.” Having been betrayed by the one person who was “supposed to keep [her] body the safest,” she sings of how “now you’re another man who’s betrayed it.”
Then comes the bridge, the emotional crux of the song where she confesses her deepest fears: “I’m scared the next time I have sex that I’ll end up crying / I’m scared that every man is secretly evil or lying / I fight with you in my head, in the shower, while I’m driving / I hate that I’m cleaning your mess while you pretend you’re thriving / When I told Ella what happened she started crying for me / All I could think of was all the holes you’d poke in my story / I don’t know why I care what you think or if you believe me / I just wish you were sorry, I just want back my body.”
With lyrics that any survivor will surely relate to, Brye delves deeper into her story within a ‘snapshot’ essay on her Instagram for those who’d like to read it:
Then comes the song’s outro, where Brye sings: “You’ll never see this from my side, you’ll never admit your wrongs / You’ll hate my guts so much when you finally hear this song / But I’m done making excuses, I’m done cutting you slack / I’m getting back in my body, and getting my body back.”
It’s here that she realises the power in standing her ground, having gone from doubting herself and what happened in the very first line to now being empowered enough to write down the story as evidence. Leaving the song on an uplifting note, we see Brye reclaim the autonomy that was slowly chipped away from her and say no, you can’t hurt me anymore.
Having already surpassed 100,000 Spotify streams, it’s easy to understand why this song of healing is so beloved by Brye’s fans, with it’s vital message - much like the rest of her music - that recovery is always possible, and you’re never alone in your experiences.
With Body Back, listeners are taken on a journey of both grief and reclamation - because Brye might have lost herself for a moment, but she’s finding her way back.
To keep track of Brye’s future releases, make sure to follow her on Instagram and listen to the rest of her stunning discography on Spotify:
