

Is it odd to relate to ERB as a cis guy?
NOTE: “Ego Renegade Boy” is 100% undeniably a trans allegory and a certified banger
Confirmed by the creators and also quite obviously so when you look at the lyrics. I don’t think it’s possible to miss this fact.
I was introduced to the song after a friend of mine (t-male) switched his PFP to it and recommended I give it a listen. Of course I was absolutely blown away. As a writer, I was a little stunned by how beautiful the story is.
However, on a broader level, I couldn’t help but find it a little…relatable, in a weird way. Again, I think it would be foolish to deny this song is explicitly about the trans experience. But even though I have never dealt with any gender dysphoria, I did deal with emotional abuse and used to mask a lot. That was until I “killed” the old me a year ago, and I used that metaphor a lot to encourage myself. I used to blindly follow what others said and tried to remain on my best behaviour, but when my mental health was withering from all the pressure, I snapped and chose to do things my own way for a change. Regardless of whether those around me think I’m selfish or not, I couldn’t be damned. Mental health first, always and forever.
Complacency? Gone. No more obedience, no more excuses, no more doubt. Just a life where I can breathe and be free.
But that was just a bit of my own experience and perspective. Thank you ERB, you earned you place at the top of the comfort song playlist