Taking the first step is often deemed the most challenging, yet what follows remains shrouded in uncertainty. Does the air still feel thick with humidity, almost tangible against your skin? Do the held breaths gradually release, or do your thoughts gently surface. Or perhaps, do you forget each preceding moment?
Anxiety, a complex emotion offering both solace and intimidation, frequently shadows significant decisions, whether it’s as trivial as sending a text or as monumental as pursuing your dreams. We often yield to these feelings, embracing the unpredictability of panic over the potential for newfound confidence. It’s this uncharted territory that Canadian pop singer dee holt navigates delicately in her latest single, “make a move.”
In February, the singer, whose debut project i’ll be there was released last spring, garnered attention for her husky yet cool-toned vocal style reminiscent of artists like Billie Eilish and Charlotte Cardin. In her latest song, holt explores the emotional turmoil and resolve of someone feeling stagnant in life and relationships but is now ready to break free. While this theme may not be revolutionary, there’s a refreshing acknowledgment of the importance of personal accountability and proactive growth—a quality that distinguishes her work from similar narratives.
We often underestimate our ability to shape our own lives. We become complacent, convinced that external factors dictate our fate. It’s easy to blame our struggles on outside forces, ignoring our own agency. Sometimes, however, we have moments of clarity where we realize the impact of our choices. We start to wonder, “What if I had taken a different path?” or “What if I had taken a leap of faith?” These reflections resonate in “make a move,” where she confronts the idea of breaking free from inertia and taking control of one’s destiny. Through her lyrics, holt encourages us to consider the importance of personal accountability and the power we have to shape our own lives.
Ironically, in one of her earliest interviews, holt revealed that despite receiving encouragement for her musical talent from her parents, partner, and peers, she never considered pursuing a career in music. This sentiment is echoed in the opening verse of her song, where she sings:
“Last I remember
Can’t wait till I’m older
To stop being scared cause‘Cause I’ve been patiently waiting
But I’m the one who’s not changing
And I just got to try”
In sharing these thoughts, holt unveils sentiments that resonate with everyone at some point. Her lyrics not only express the concept of self-doubt, but also capture a common struggle: the fear of taking risks and venturing into the unknown. Despite receiving encouragement and support from those around her, holt’s hesitation stemmed from a deeper fear of failure or uncertainty. Many of us can relate to feeling held back by our own apprehensions and doubts, even when we have the potential to succeed. The song conveys a longing to break free from this mindset and embrace change, acknowledging that waiting for the perfect moment may never come, and taking the first step is essential, even if it’s daunting.
take a listen to make a move on spotify:
daybreak 