The vocal distortion on Burnham's voice in this song makes him sound like the manifestation of depression, a force that's trying to convince us to sink into the comfort of inertia.
The song's melody is oddly soothing, and the lyrics are a sly manifestation of the sometimes-inviting nothingness that depression can offer ("It's almost over, it's just begun. Don't overthink this, look in my eye. Don't be scared, don't be shy, come on in, the water's fine.")
But of all the brilliant lines in "Inside," nothing has shaken me the way this verse did:
"You say the ocean's rising, like I give a s---
You say the whole world's ending, honey it already did
You're not gonna slow it, heaven knows you tried
Got it? Good. Now get inside."
New harmonies kick in after this line, adding to the haunting beauty of the song. Listening to "All Eyes on Me" is like having a religious experience with your own mental disorder. Burnham's voice crawls into your skin, speaking to a dark corner of your mind that's been waiting for permission to give up.
It's terrifying. It's cathartic. It's the most powerful song Burnham has ever written. I couldn't look away even if I wanted to.
For more on "Inside," read our full breakdown of 27 details you might have missed in the special here.