Verse 1
I’m afraid that this anxiety is killing me
But I’ve been trying to believe
That there is nothing wrong with me
Everybody says I’m strong but they can’t really see
I’m hiding my emotions
But they show up in my dreams
And everyday I grind away
Make the dream a reality
But every night I’m in a fight
Sleeping, grinding my teeth
Pre-Chorus 1
I try to pray
Take it away
All the stress and the busyness
But I just can’t stop saying yes
Chorus
This time I’m facing the music
Won’t lose my mind
He’s walking me through this I finally realize
Yes I’m going through somethings
And even if I feel away, I’ll be okay
Verse 2
Used to run around in clothes that were too big for me
Wore a mask just to disguise the pain I felt inside
Got so good at this pretending I lost sight of me
Felt like an imposter I was muzzled by my pride
Pre-Chorus 2
I try to pray
Take it away
All the stress and the busyness
But there’s a lesson in wilderness
And my heart is open
Chorus
This time I’m facing the music
Won’t lose my mind
He’s walking me through this I finally realize
Yes I’m going through somethings
And even if I feel away, I’ll be okay
Bridge
Life may get dark
Things will get hard
I know that
But things are gonna get better, oh
Might lose my way, can’t find my faith
But I know that things are gonna get better, better
I really should admit when I am struggling
I know that things are gonna get better, oh
A work in progress, it's a process
But He’ll keep His promise
Things are gonna get better
Chorus
This time I’m facing the music
Won’t lose my mind
He’s walking me through this I finally realize
Yes I’m going through somethings
And even if I feel away, I’ll be okay
Okay
Okay Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Naomi Raine's song "Okay," released with its accompanying video on October 5, 2022, offers a deeply personal and relatable exploration of internal struggle juxtaposed with unwavering faith. The opening verses immediately establish a sense of vulnerability, articulating the hidden battles with anxiety and the pressure to appear strong when feeling otherwise. The lyrics reveal a disconnect between outward perception and the internal reality, highlighting how emotional burdens manifest even in dreams, despite the relentless effort put into daily life and chasing aspirations. This internal conflict is underscored by the physical tension described, such as grinding teeth while sleeping, painting a vivid picture of the toll stress takes.
The initial attempt to alleviate this burden through prayer is met with the challenge of overcommitment and the inability to decline requests or opportunities. This dynamic sets up the pivotal shift presented in the chorus. Here, the artist declares a turning point, choosing to "face the music" rather than avoid the difficulties. The acknowledgment of going "through somethings" is combined with the powerful realization of divine support – "He's walking me through this." This brings an assurance that despite how one might feel in the moment, an underlying sense of well-being, the state of being "okay," is attainable and promised through this guidance.
The narrative expands in the second verse, delving into past coping mechanisms. The imagery of wearing oversized clothes and a mask illustrates attempts to conceal inner pain and discomfort, a strategy that led to a loss of self and the feeling of being an imposter. Pride is identified as a barrier that kept these struggles hidden and silenced. The repeated prayer in the pre-chorus is refined, recognizing that challenges, or "wilderness," contain valuable lessons, and the heart is now receptive to receiving them.
The bridge serves as a powerful affirmation of hope and resilience. It acknowledges the inevitability of difficult times, recognizing that life will get dark and hard. However, this recognition is paired with the certainty that things will ultimately improve. The lyrics touch upon moments of doubt and losing faith but reaffirm the knowledge that recovery and betterment are coming. A crucial step highlighted is the importance of admitting vulnerability and struggle. The journey is described as a "work in progress," a "process," underpinned by the unwavering belief that a higher power "will keep His promise," ensuring that things are indeed going to get better.
The song resonates with themes of divine presence during trials and finding peace amidst turmoil. The reliance on "He" for guidance and strength echoes scriptures that speak of God being a present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1) or walking with believers through valleys (Psalm 23:4). The idea of finding lessons in the "wilderness" experience aligns with biblical narratives of testing and growth in difficult periods (Deuteronomy 8:2). The promise that things will get better and trust in divine promises reflects hope found in passages like Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of plans for welfare and a future, and Hebrews 10:23, which emphasizes the faithfulness of the one who promises. The courage to admit struggle points to the biblical concept of strength being made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Overall, the song offers a message of honest faith, acknowledging the reality of pain and anxiety while firmly holding onto the hope and assurance provided by a relationship with a guiding, faithful power.