When I think about the song “Dark Tower” by Miniature Tigers, it’s not just a song – it’s a moment in time I’ll never forget. The lyrics helped me piece together my sadness when I felt completely lost.

Miniature Tigers wasn’t a band I normally listened to. It was strange that the YouTube algorithm recommended them, since they’re an alternative indie band, and most of my recommendations were trending songs. “Dark Tower” wasn’t trending, but I needed to hear the lyrics.

“Living in a dark tower, getting darker by the hour, will I wake up?” These were the first lyrics that spoke to me. At the time, I was experiencing my first depressive episode, and as tears streamed down my face, those words helped me figure out myself. The song opened with gentle guitar strumming, the lyrics that followed were unexpected.

As the music continued, I pictured myself outside my body. In this surreal moment, my outer self was singing the lyrics back to my physical self. This out-of-body experience helped me see how my sadness was affecting me, making me realize how I had retreated so far into my own “dark tower” that I didn’t notice the people around me who cared and wanted to pull me out. The song woke me up from my “dark, dark daydream.”

After this, I finally felt able to talk about my depression. “Dark Tower” helped me understand my struggles, and once I understood them, I got the help I truly needed.

“Dark Tower” changed the way I listened to music. The way the instruments and lyrics came together perfectly captured the essence of someone struggling mentally. 

For a long time after that, I didn’t listen to Miniature Tigers. I associated them with my depression, and I didn’t feel the need to revisit that part of my life. But two years ago, my perspective shifted when I heard their song “Like or Like Like”. It was much more upbeat.

I remember sweeping the floor, anxiously waiting for a text from a friend, Benji, whom I had feelings for at the time. As I swept, my mind drifted, and I unconsciously bopped my head to the fun beat. Then, the lyrics grabbed my attention: “Tell me how you feel about me, do you like or like like me?” I checked my phone, surprised to see it was Miniature Tigers. 

That moment felt like a sign – their music eased my anxieties. It gave me the courage to express my feelings to Benji, and to my surprise, he felt the same way.

Benji and I are now engaged, he is the brightest light in my life, making it nearly impossible for me to return to my dark tower. Miniature Tigers’ transitioned from something representing a difficult time to becoming part of a joyful, life-changing moment.

Music, especially lyrics, have become incredibly important. I always pay close attention now because, as Miniature Tigers has shown me, they can hold unexpected significance.