Track By Tracks: Johnny Zirkel - The Story So Far (2024)

1. Going Blind: A Fallout Story:

Inspired by the Fallout video game series, this story begins on October 23, 2077—the day the bombs fell, plunging the world into chaos. Amid the devastation, it follows one man’s desperate quest to find the woman he loves, who refuses the safety of a vault to stay outside and help those in need. As the detonation looms, he reluctantly lets her go but, at the last moment, leaves the vault himself to search for her. Racing through the apocalyptic wasteland as fallout clouds his vision, he calls out, hoping to hear her voice guide him back to her.

2. Forget About You:

Forget About You is deeply personal to me, as it touches on the theme of mental health—something I’ve grappled with throughout my adult life. The song explores the feeling of being trapped in your own mind, shedding light on the weight of these struggles while emphasizing the importance of addressing them. At its core, it’s a message of strength and solidarity for anyone fighting similar battles, a reminder that they’re not alone.

3. Headlights:

Headlights delve into the complex relationship between two people navigating their personal struggles, their love for one another, and the interplay between these dynamics. The narrator, deeply depressed and on the brink of suicide, finds himself contemplating how his actions would affect the person he loves. This thought becomes a lifeline, prompting him to stay alive to support his partner through their own challenges. While touching on a heavy subject, the song ultimately carries a hopeful message about mutual salvation—two people saving each other, even if one remains unaware.

4. In The Calm:

In The Calm tells the story of someone trapped in a destructive lifestyle they never intended to choose, yet they convince themselves it’s what they wanted. They cling to the illusion of happiness, but beneath the surface, they’re falling apart. Despite your efforts to help, they can’t see the need for change, leaving you helpless to reach them.

5. Serotonin:

Serotonin is a song about someone giving up their former, selfish life because they’ve finally found the one person that they truly want to be with. Throughout the son,g they are acknowledging their flaws, and embellishing the other’s perfection. It’s an intimate, lighthearted song with catchy melodies, surprisingly heavy guitar breaks, and a relatable storyline.

6. Rapture: A BioShock Story:

Following the path set by "Going Blind," Rapture draws inspiration from the iconic video game series BioShock. The song tells the story of a couple who journey to the city of Rapture in search of a better life, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare. Once a utopian vision, the city has descended into chaos, with greed and corruption eroding its foundations and driving its inhabitants to madness.

7. Set Me On Fire:

The Malleus Maleficarum is a historical guide to witch hunting, and while it initially seemed like an intriguing concept, writing a song about witchcraft didn’t quite resonate with me. Instead, I reimagined it as a commentary on religious persecution and the struggle to embrace one’s true identity in the face of societal judgment. The line "set me on fire" ties back to the historical practice of burning witches as a form of so-called purification.

8. Paradise:

Paradise tells the story of two individuals who move to LA in pursuit of their dreams, believing the city will bring them happiness and fulfillment. However, they are confronted with the harsh realities of Hollywood. The dream they envisioned quickly fades, revealing a darker side to the city, and they find themselves struggling just to survive, realizing that the paradise they hoped for is nothing like they expected.

9. A Devil With Angel Wings:

A Devil with Angel Wings is about a toxic relationship you just can’t get away from. While it may have felt good at first, it’s been realized that you were just being held back and put down. However, even though the relationship is damaged and over you still keep going back while also trying to break away.

10. Wasting Time:

Wasting Time is about confronting a friend who is stuck in a cycle of self-destruction, wasting their time and potential. The narrator expresses frustration and concern, urging their friend to stop letting life slip by without taking action or making meaningful changes. It’s a call to wake up and break free from destructive habits and complacency, pushing them to realize that time is precious and it’s not too late to start living with purpose.

11. A Letter To Myself:

A Letter To Myself is a raw and introspective song where I confront my former struggles with anxiety, depression, and alcohol addiction. It reflects the painful reality of self-medicating in an attempt to fix myself, all while knowingly hurting those around me. Despite the darkness, the song carries a sense of hope, culminating in the line, "this time I swear I’m moving on," signifying a commitment to change and a brighter future.