Another Reason

We find all these reasons to never be the person we want to be

Because I’m still healing, all these wounds that are buried so deep inside of me

“Another Reason,” by Akala is a song that has changed meaning over the years because of how I have changed. I first listened to it in my brother’s car, and I remember loving it so much, that I took his iPod from his room, in secret, to find out its name. This was long ago, in the days of iPods. In high school, I wrote a paper on this song. I wrote about waves and oceans and what they symbolize––and how they can symbolize unity and release, release of control and fear. When I first started driving, this song played on all my playlists. I would sing along with Megan Quashie because I was, and still am, afraid to be who I want to be. The hope that exists in this song, to live and not die, has saved me many times over. When I listen to “Another Reason,” I gain the courage to change who I see in the mirror.

I look at the world today, and I notice its bleakness. I notice how disconnected and askew things seem, and then, I revisit this song. There is another reason to fight, to live, and to share. There are reasons to love ourselves and our world. It is easier said than done, but when I listen to “Another Reason,” I feel like there is an alternative to apathy. It gives me strength.

Because of this, I illustrated some of this song in comic form. I took inspiration from many of the comics I have loved, many of them being black and white with surreal elements. Comics are accessible, a medium that uses symbols and representations to communicate alongside text. As a listener, the practice of creating a comic allowed me to connect more deeply with Akala’s lyrics. I put my energy into doing Akala justice while staying true to my art style and perspective. I hope you enjoy what I’ve made and find strength in Akala’s words, just as I have.