Consuming You: You by Caroline Kepnes and Its Soul Song

If you know me personally, Chase Atlantic is one of the only artist who has 'no bad songs'. Knowing all of their songs gives me quite the range. As soon as I sat down and asked myself, what is You (by Caroline Kepnes) all about? What song can possibly embody Joe's obsession, Beck's manipulation and self - disgust, and the conflicts of this infinitely complex book?

The answer was clear: "Consume" by Chase Atlantic, featuring Goon Des Garcons. The lyrics are the most important part, so I'll save those for last.

In my review, I mentioned Joe's complete obsession with Beck, the other main character and love interest - or object of obsession? Both are accurate. My review was about the body of the book, and I didn't touch on several nuances, including Joe's conflict with one of Beck's friends. I can't share much because it's a spoiler, but it becomes central to the plot's conflict. Because Joe is so completely enamored (read: obsessed) with Beck, he puts up with a lot of sh*t from her - including outright emotional abuse and manipulation. The backgrounds to this song lend itself to the undercurrent of emotion in the book. This book is written from Joe's perspective, so the reader hears about these experiences through his very, very narrow lens. The reader must use subtle hints and outright analysis to realize that Joe is being abused. These backgrounds are similar. With just a beat and drums, the backgrounds are very sparse, representing Joe's lens and opinion on just about everything because he is so focused on one thing and one thing only - having Beck.

Onto the vocals: the unsung heroes of songs. The lead singer of Chase Atlantic, Mitchel Cave, is the lead on this song. The feature, Goon Des Garcons, is good on this song, but not important regarding the relationship with the book. Cave is talented - very talented. The recorded harmonies and his vocals themselves communicate the bare need for this woman - unnamed, but referred to as 'you'. This is a very clear and obvious connection to the book, as you can probably tell. (Please tell me you get the pun.)

This leads to the lyrics. The first line is 'Why you pointing at me with that knife?' This woman is referenced to several other times in the song as well, always with 'you'. This is a clear connection to the book. The rest of the line, and throughout the song, he appears to be so under her influence, he is not in control of his own actions and is completely at her beck and call. (Please tell me you get the pun: because Joe's love interest is Beck. No? Okay.) The next few lines use phrases 'running through the city on a rampage' and 'pressing on her fingers until the bones break'. These connect to Beck's promiscuity and search for love, with her complete disregard for actual emotional feelings. The song continues later in the chorus with the phrase 'I know there's a blade where your heart is, and you know how to use it'. This continues the use of 'you' and adds to the story of the song. Beck's manipulation of Joe and using him as a safety net while she decides what she wants is clear here.

The outro is central to the connection to the book:

"Please understand that I'm trying my hardest

My head's a mess, but I'm trying regardless

Anxiety is one hell of a problem

She's latching onto me, I can't resolve it

It's not right, it's not fair, it's not fair

It's not fair, it's no fair, it's no fair"

These lines communicate Joe's obsession to the point of pain. Eventually, he goes to a therapist to try to get you (Beck) out of his head. It works for a time. He gets more and more paranoid - following her, as he did at the beginning of the relationship. I can't explain more without spoiling anything, but read the book. You'll understand completely.

Thanks for reading! Comment your opinions, and my email is always open for suggestions or requests!