Therapist Reacts To: Inbred by Ethel Cain *trigger warning - please use discretion - SA discussed"

[@mrovvka6882]

Her album 'Preacher's Daughter' is a whole story of fictional character created by her. It's very very good!

[@mattgreg0307]

Agreed! Definitely something you gotta react to

[@mendwithmere]

I will absolutely do that one!

[@MultiWilliam15]

@@mendwithmerestart with hard times!

[@jamie8481]

@@mendwithmereAhhh i’m so excited !! she’s incredible

[@kitanakhan1]

@@mendwithmere would love that but brace yourself for Triggers. Just remember that the album is a story not a real events, it may help. 💪

[@elioben5810]

As a male victim of incest and sexual abuse, this song means a lot to me and is healing in a way. Thanks for reacting to it Mere.

[@arloize]

I'm sorry that happened, nobody deserves that

[@sparrow_posts_stuff]

im so so sorry about that, that must be awful :/

[@elioben5810]

@@sparrow_posts_stuff thank u and I'm okay now!

[@elioben5810]

@enochivn8766 you're so right and it's super unfortunate that it happens. Luckily, I got the right treatments and I'm okay now :) 💓💓

[@evanblalock9744]

I’m sorry you had to be so strong. I’m glad you’ve healed

[@lisa-ty9gq]

I may be wrong, but always thought that her brother and her abuser are two different people. "He (her brother) hates the way you (the abuser) look at me, you're already dead". I think she's saying that if her brother finds out what happened, he'll kill that man. "If he wakes up he will show you what I'm taking about." But it's also possible that she just separates the brother she loves and the brother that abuses her into two people in her head. Maybe that's where the line "if he wakes up he will show you what I'm talking about" comes from. So by "wakes up" she means realises what he's doing.

[@Blueborne-music]

No ur right. Hayden has said that the abuser is not the brother or even in the family. She said Inbred is a metaphor for trauma within the family.

[@chargingyellow]

you’re so spot on with the ‘deep south hidden away’, that’s her entire vibe

[@mendwithmere]

Really?!? It really felt like true detective setting to me.

[@chargingyellow]

@@mendwithmere atleast for preachers daughter anyway !

[@saiyamoru]

The Deep South has these problems. My own mother, my grandmother, all her siblings, the uncles who hurt her, those are real experiences. It feels very weird for someone who never went through any of that to try to write from the perspective of someone who did.

[@backup153]

Ethel is the kind of artist that would make you scream WHAT THE FUCK but at the same time make you realize that shit like this actually happens in real life... shes just straight to the point with it.

[@saiyamoru]

It does happen IRL. Ethel has never experienced it, however, she is just making up what she thinks it's like. Listen to real victims and not people who are trying to sell you a persona.

[@backup153]

@saiyamoru Well I am one of those victims. And I absolutely don't mind having someone who DARES to write about shit like this.

[@saiyamoru]

@@backup153 hmm. yeah, I guess it is daring and audacious for a person who has never experienced *this trauma seizing another person's experience for the sake of an album narrative. How would you feel if someone tried to write your life story from their perspective and sell it?

[@backup153]

@@saiyamoru then why don't you find me the person who went through what happened in inbred and show me their complaint. You're angry just for the sake of being angry.

[@saiyamoru]

@@backup153 No, this literally happened to my grandmother and mother and her sisters and my sister and myself and I grew up in Alabama. So I'm not just angry for the sake of being angry, this is my real life and history. And it feels wrong for someone else to try to co-opt it and romanticize it in the form of sweet, languid, Lana-del-Rey-esque consumer product.

[@renosplants1048]

I think that Ethel explained the lyrics to this song. The older brother wasn’t the abuser, but he was protecting her from their molesting father.

[@ache4u]

In Ethel’s own annotations of the lyrics she says the older brother isn’t the perpetrator but a protective figure even though their relationship is flawed. She annotated the lyrics herself on genius !

[@Blueborne-music]

Thank you for saying this. I kinda wish she had checked out the lyrics on genius but I understand if she didn’t think of that.

[@lilac.mascara]

​@@Blueborne-music To be fair it's not something you think of doing especially if you just had the lyrics on screen unless you've been at least somewhat introduced to Ethel Cain lore so I get it and it's also interesting to me to get a different perspective or interpretation sometimes even if it isn't the right one

[@yeoubi7701]

The brother could also be interpreted as a victim too

[@erin-zf6iv]

i'd love to see your thoughts on "ptolemaea", it's absolutely chilling but so well written

[@kitanakhan1]

I requested that as well, but I’ve had no money so Mere was so kind that she did Inbred request for free.

[@shh5665]

ooh absolutely

[@lewiswoodhall]

That song is crazy first listen lol

[@anillegalblonde]

I would love that but it’s a really heavy song

[@Howtoeatrocks]

I always read this song as being a victim of her father's abuse and her over protective brother being kept in the dark about the events to protect him. Interesting to see other perspectives

[@mendwithmere]

I think you are right and I had it off but it’s so disturbing either way

[@LuckyOlivia44]

That’s relatable…

[@chorn-tx2bv]

If you listen to more of Ethel's music, please keep in mind that Ethel the artist and the character are both trans women, and her life experiences and art have been greatly colored by the specific kinds of transmisogyny, sexualization, and all the other forms of oppression that come from being a trans woman. The lack of love as a child, the longing for real love and handing yourself over to men for validation. Being sexualized and exploited by men, people who want you dead, and yourself. Being demonized, ignored, and forgotten. Grappling between being raised religious in spaces where your existence is an abomination. As a young trans woman from the south, her art has been so comforting to me for so many years. Over 500 anti-trans bills have been introduced so far this year in the US, most of them attempting to criminalize trans existence. Most of them target trans women & girls- attempting to take away already-inaccessible healthcare. These laws particularly affect black trans women, who statistically face higher rates of job discrimination, sexual abuse, and homelessness- and are also disproportionately murdered. 97% of trans people murdered last year were trans women, most of them being trans women of color. Things are very scary but seeing an indie trans artist being appreciated and achieving acclaim is such a powerful thing.

[@pweasedonteatme]

ethel is not trans in preachers daughter she’s states it in a live that ethel cain is cis woman actually but this still doesn’t make your points invalid

[@pabloalarconlopez5923]

Ethel, the character, isn't trans.

[@mandalorkayla8001]

@@pweasedonteatme She's said the character can be interpreted either way, and she'll cast a trans woman in the movie eventually. Regardless there's strong hints to trans specific experiences in her lyrics.

[@cvntyextraterrestrial333]

I don’t think the character is trans but as ethel cain herself is trans i still think her experience as a trans woman influences her music so i still think you’re very right.

[@kirstenglae]

@@JulietMHornerYou definitely love your children, that’s very apparent. Thank you for that.

[@AfterLaughterFan]

I've always been more of a silent viewer, but I wanted to say thank you for reacting to and discussing songs like this. Ethel has another song called "hard times" that also talks about about this topic, but in a less graphic way. "Hard times" means a lot to me due the complicated emotions I have around my own abuser, and the song really helped me to process my trauma. Once again, thank you for the amazing, educational content!

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for sharing this with me and watching my content! I will check that song out bc I think those complex feelings could be discussed more in regard to abuse. I’m realizing how much these topic need attention. Sending you ❤

[@MYOB00]

I was thinking of hard times as well. It's beautiful musically so so difficult to listen to lyrically.

[@teddybrooksjr.2868]

I know y’all did not make her listen to one of her darkest songs😭 Sun Bleached Flies, A House In Nebraska, and Strangers are wayyy more light than this

[@yes-ve5hp]

what im saying 💀

[@adieljonsson864]

Strangers??!

[@anyways1715]

@@adieljonsson864strangers is heavy but not as violently direct as inbred

[@ihavemultiplepersonalities]

Or even Hard Times which kinda has a similar meaning but it's not as heavy as inbred

[@MYOB00]

@@ihavemultiplepersonalities I think Hard Times is just as heavy, when you read the lyrics...

[@omgwhydoesthatfroghavecurls]

you're right, i do feel nauseous after watching this. I feel the same, i'm about to cry but my head also hurts. at the part where she goes "when he wakes up he'll show you what i'm talking about." i love (love in the way it makes me wanna bury myself in cold dark soil) it so much. And sexual abuse is way way way too common. I've delt with it, i've lost touch with friends because they were going through it, another friend who i was the first person she told after years. Her music makes me feel like i know this, like it's familiar like i've been there before it feels like.

[@oldaccxunt]

thank you for not being afraid to talk about it, i dealt with this when i was 10 or 11 (details are still foggy) from my older brother and when i told my mom she was kind of making excuses for him like comforting me but saying things like 'well he was still young' and it makes me scared to tell anyone else, i feel like she secretly hopes i wont tell anyone else so she can keep it all hush-hush and you talking sbout it made me a little less scared I'm 22 now but i still feel like that scared little girl and it's eaten away at me for so long now. I had the same nauseous reaction when i heard it for the first time. I also saw my brother get married and found it really strange and kept thinking it was my responsibility to tell his wife who dhe was marrying but i was too scared. I was numb through the entire ceremony, I felt like death when I finally went home it is such a scary feeling.

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for sharing this bc there is someone else reading this with a similar experience that can’t bring themselves to write the words. It doesn’t matter what age your brother was, it’s not okay. And it won’t ever be okay. You have power in speaking your truth and I’m glad you can share it here. I want to say that if you never want to be around him, you don’t have to. I hate that you even had to attend the wedding and I’m sure it would have been a big deal if you didn’t go. I hate that you had to be around him and stuff it down for the sake of “saving face” for the family. I hate that your mom wasn’t outraged and didn’t think about what your needs are given that he’s your abuser. I hate you ever had to experience that and I hope you get support around this bc you did nothing wrong. You were abused and you must now think about yourself and your needs and your well-being. I’m sitting her so angry for you and all the people that have suffered in this way. I’m sending bc you so much love and please, lean into whatever supports you have 🤍

[@turntodusk]

This is so relatable. I just found this song from this reaction I nearly burst into tears from the lyrics. They hit so hard

[@kaykayy119]

this happend to me my whole life up untill i was 10 from my brother. im only 12 now but this still tears me to peices every time. this made me sob uncontrolably even though im not going thru it. thank u for making this mere.

[@romanticghost7508]

Jesus, I’m so sorry. I hope you’re safe and hopefully out of that situation now.

[@marinac3549]

Ethel Cain?? THANK YOU! If you wanna check it out, Ethel talks a lot about SA, religious trauma, and poverty in her album Preacher’s Daughter

[@Marshmallow_1111]

To me “pissing on the stove to put it out” makes me think she’s helpless. Left alone with only her brother at home and he’s out doing sketchy shit. And she has to put out the fire on the stove cause maybe the fire started to get high since she’s young and alone. “Sucking on the back of his leg to stay warm” makes me think shes describing herself as an animal trying to drink milk from his leg as her mother is in a coma and he’s all she has. But she doesn’t know what to do.

[@butgoddamn]

i agree with all this

[@RealCatInWindow]

I always took the song as her brother, even though troubled, was the only one who looked out for her. The mother has a substance problem, possibly introduced to her through the assailant as a way to incapacitate her so he has access to the child. An unknown assailant who has complete power over the child (possibly the mother's boyfriend, the child's father, an uncle, etc) and even the mother. The part about the abuser being wrong, not only is it literal, but it's kind of like when you get a vibe from someone that something isn't right with them; basically people knew something was wrong with him but they still sat idly by while he was given access to his victim. The part about pissing on the stove, I always looked at it as the child was more on the feral side, and instead of being taught how to deal with basic everyday tasks, she was left to her own devices to figure it out. The lines "who knows how much longer I'll lay on the floor" I take as, she's starting to question why she isn't fighting back against the abuse. This is getting long, so I'm going to end it here, but I could write an entire essay about this song.

[@seunghunmiko3922]

My girl was traumatized😭

[@adam-ll1yf]

I am so thrilled that you reacted to Ethel! She is truly one of the best newer artists we have today, her music is so layered and emotional and thought-provoking. This song in particular is very heavy, it's hard to think and talk about without feeling unsettled in some way. If you ever want to react to more of her songs, Crush and American Teenager are two songs that feel more upbeat if you need some more levity lol (though they do still deal with darker subject matter). Pretty much any song of her's is worthy of a reaction. Her album Preacher's Daughter is one of my all time favorites.

[@gametime4567]

I think she’s talking about how her dads doing it “Does your baby know her daddy’s a rapist” I think she means does the narrator understand that it’s rape and what’s happening isn’t right and the older brother lines are about how he isn’t that great of a person and gets in trouble with the cops but still cares about her and helps her

[@mattygreen6233]

pretty sure its the dad that is doing it to her, her brother loves her and is protective and doesnt know the dad is doing it, the dad probably loves the son (her brother) more and thats why he is his "baby" while she is not. and she is saying if she told her brother he would kill the dad

[@cherrycokee]

that makes a lot of sense! so many different interpretations, all very interesting but this does make a lot of sense. apparently by what i’ve read in the comments hayden confirmed inbred is just a metaphor for trauma within the family but i would love to know a full analysis on what the “canon” meaning is, cuz there’s clearly abuse going on but idk about the incest part? if that makes sense but yeah

[@pointofcami6565]

I don't see how that could be the case with the sentence "Does your baby know her daddy's a rapist?" considering it's a big brother.

[@mrqe]

It could also mean she was raped by her brother and gave birth to a child “does your baby know her daddy’s a rapist” but hes dead ig they both fought resulting ethel on the floor and her saying to her baby “if he wakes up he’ll show u what am talking about”

[@LabyrinthianLex]

That was hard. Thank you for doing this reaction, I admire your strength

[@mendwithmere]

Yes it was but such an important topic to discuss. ❤❤❤

[@lanascinnamonboy]

Never listened to Ethel Cain but this song really is disturbing. Never listened to music that made me feel so gross.

[@mendwithmere]

It makes you feel exactly what she felt. That is some powerful art but I agree, I gaged several times after and cried. I hate that this is a reality for so many people.

[@eltonfan62]

Listen to Preacher's Daughter

[@liyah6905]

try thoroughfare its a bit more positive

[@MyUniqueVibe]

I think people should check out the lyrics on Genius as Ethel Cain herself annotates certain parts of the lyrics to give a better insight/context into what she meant with certain verses. It's strongly suggested that the abuser is a third person unrelated to the siblings, an older man with a family and child of his own. Take this verse into consideration: "He hates the way you look at me, You're already dead"; He (presumably the older brother) hates the way you (presumably the the third person) looks at me. This line suggests there are three people, not two. - Ethel Cain herself annotated that: "She assures him her older brother knows and hates him for it, and he’ll get what’s coming to him eventually." Now take this verse into consideration: "If he wakes up, he’ll show you what i’m talking about," - Ethel mentions how : "She (the sister) promises that if her brother can ever catch a break from his own plagues, he’ll punish the man (the abuser)." Throughout the song, I never got the feeling the older brother has a child of his own, nor is the actual abuser, though there could be an inappropriate relationship born from generational trauma.

[@juniorhuante658]

Ethel actually conffirmed that the song is about a toxic relationship between siblings

[@kitanakhan1]

Thank you Meredith for my request! It is a heavy song, I wanted to choose one that can start a discussion. I won’t talk about it but yeah, it happened to me, me so I was interested in your feelings. One thing about the mother that “smells rotten” because most likely is dead and they just think she’s sleeping.. the rapist is their dad and the brother swears he kills him, but Ethel acknowledges that he’s not much better since all of that sickness runs in the family.

[@mendwithmere]

This will definitely start a discussion and I I want to make public so that you get support and know that you are not alone. This happens in so many families yet it’s incredibly isolating bc no one wants to talk about this experience. You are an incredibly kind, beautiful soul that has been subjected to despicable trauma that you never deserved. Ever. Saying sorry does not make it better but I am and wish I could take it away. Please know you are loved and have us here. Look out for my email. ❤️

[@sethsummer4743]

As a trans man I've never felt an artist that truly gets it the same way Ethel Cain does. I'd love to see you react to more of her songs

[@mendwithmere]

oh, I definitely will! I didn't even know Ethel's backstory and feel it's so important to discuss, even though it isn't my lived experience. sending you so much love and thank you for watching!

[@romanticghost7508]

Same here, I’m also a trans man. Her music just hits so hard.

[@Latudasandwich]

damn, y’all couldn’t have eased her in with Crush or something first??

[@finch9782]

Tw//sa and incest I always saw the ”does she know her Daddys a rapist” and “if he wakes up he’ll show you what I’m talking about” as direct lines that fit together. Like she’s implying he might go after his own child as soon as she gets too old and less innocent for him to enjoy anymore. I could be wrong but that’s how I saw it.

[@mendwithmere]

Oh wow, I can see that now.

[@m0r334htr1xx]

ALSO! Yes, you nailed it on the head with the southern gothic / backwoodsy stuff. Ethel (the artist) is from Florida, and the character is from Alabama. Her music takes a lot of influence for southern styles but also really addresses the issues with that part of the country.

[@whyaretheykinda]

You know Ethel Cain is a great storyteller and artist when she can stun a therapist into silence

[@evan_sunprince]

I have this odd relationship with ethel, I love her music and lense she creates from. A lot of it is disturbing, but cathartic. I've not experienced what she's gone through, and what she talks about. It's interesting to hear an artist write about what they haven't gone through, to process what they have. Take her experiences and go to the extreme to make her stuff feel palatable. It's an interesting catharsis from a listeners stand point

[@mendwithmere]

Absolutely. Crazy talented and it is healing

[@jojodunn835]

First song I heard by Ethel Cain was Inbred and I was hooked. I'm trans and from the south. Unfortunately, relatable but the song makes me feel seen. 🙏🖤💜

[@plamenasiniye]

this is my favourite Ethel song... I cry every time I hear it - it's so disgustingly beautiful, horrifying but comforting... having experienced some of the same things she has

[@rebecadefreitasdamas1737]

I never went to anything like that but I was sick at the end and felt bad even with just the melody... It is really a interesting way to shine a light over this crimes. I feel for everyone who had to go through something so inhumane

[@janamcpherson4885]

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comforted

[@800cherries3]

damn i love that

[@thedreamerintherye]

Ethel's album "preacher's daugter" is absolutely gut-wrecking but incredible. Can't say that i listen to it often becuse of the mood but it definitely was an experience

[@youngmia98]

Maybe that’s my problem. I’ve been listening to every song consistently everyday for the past week. And it brings me to a dark place but I love it. Maybe I should take a break from mother Cain.

[@jessehansen5978]

What a moving reaction. The song is horrifying and haunting and I broke down the first time I heard it. To know that this is something that so many people have had to deal with being SA'ed and the physical and emotional aftermath is soul crushing. Thank you for reacting.

[@AbigailGrayse]

The first time I listened to Ethel Cain I legitimately couldn’t sleep. I started watching this because I thought I was prepared… I was not. I’m just a little disgusted. I don’t know if I’ll make it through this whole video, but as someone who suffered at the hands of a close family member… Thank you for the conversations you have started. I’m glad I found your channel. I appreciate your insights.

[@Leopur33]

OMG when you made the reference to True Detective and southern gothic vibes, I screamed YES! Ethel’s music could be the soundtrack to that show.

[@AustinAshburn]

Thank you for your reaction to Ethel

[@a.a677]

Ethel Cain is so so so amazing, once you understand that she is a character, everything falls into place with her story and the tragic ending.

[@sparrow_posts_stuff]

NOT YALL MAKING HER REACT TO ETHELS DARKEST SONG LMFAOOO

[@m0r334htr1xx]

so happy to see you react to ethel! she is really a visionary. her music is incredibly dark, but honestly its super cathartic for me. she is also a super incredible performer. keep in mind, its a character that she created to represent the dark aspects of her life and she plans to really go in depth with the whole Cain family tree. she is really a super cool person!!!!

[@artacrim]

from someone who got SA for years by his older brother this hurts in a way thats heavy

[@nathangrimes4071]

thank you so much for reacting to Ethel Cain

[@mimimilani8620]

you need to listen to preachers daughter the thing is a concept album centered around the character Ethel Cain and it is incrediblee theres so much symbolism in the lirycs and so much to talk about with the whole story. I recommend reading about the album first, great video 😃

[@Elena-Studio]

"Pissing on the stove to put it out" makes me think that it was a form of punishment and one of the coping mechanisms was to piss on the stove so it doesn't hurt as much.

[@chargingyellow]

YES FINALLY ETHEL REACTION!!! i’ve never clicked a video so quick pls tell me you’re reacting to more of her?!?? 🖤

[@kitanakhan1]

She said she will react to the “ Preacher’s Daughter”

[@chargingyellow]

@@kitanakhan1 yay

[@elliotsssssboisssss3872]

Ethel Cain shall eternally be recognized as an extraordinarily courageous and resilient woman. Present-day popular music typically avoids exploring specific topics and fails to venture into the depths of darkness that she fearlessly embraces. In the current music landscape, songs predominantly revolve around relationships breaking apart, enduring hardships, and eventually healing. However, Ethel Cain, particularly through her remarkable full-length album "Preacher's Daughter," weaves a mesmerizing narrative of trauma and harrowing experiences that sets her apart and grants her an unparalleled uniqueness. The countless times I've immersed myself in the haunting melodies of "Inbred" and "Preacher's Daughter," absorbing her heartfelt cries of pain, it becomes impossible for tears not to stream down my face, and an eerie sensation to travel down my spine. When I saw her live the connection I felt in her voice as if I had grown with up with her and know that it was just me and her against the world.

[@ellie17130]

this video came onto my recommended a few days ago n finally decided to watch it , this happend to me with my father up untill i was about 15 or 16. now 23 still going to family events and everytime he will come up to me and try to give me a hug n kiss (even though i dont want it.) but i never really said no because i didnt want my family to ask why because nobody knows because when i did tell my mother she told me that she would make sure that my family never talked to me/contacted me again and i dont want that at all so i never really told anyone else. im not really gonna say anymore but thank you so so so much for making this video. love u sm and respect you so much for making this.

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for sharing this and you can hopefully see from the comment section that you are not alone. Sharing this is brave and keep in mind that there’s someone not ready to even acknowledge what happened as real within themselves and they may be reading this and understanding how prevalent this experience is. I hate how you were treated when you talked about it to your mother. Sounds like you were treated like the perpetrator, not the victim. It’s not okay and I hope you are getting support in the ways you can. Sending you so much love.

[@hlynurelli]

I have not lived through this, but as someone whose boyfriend has dealt with SA as a child, this song always makes me cry as I think of him. The fact that these things happen yet so often go unnoticed tears me apart. Ethel truly captures the essence of despair and sadness. Incredible reaction - I could tell it definitely struck you hard.

[@hgsgagshehaha6117]

YES I REQUESTED ETHEL ❤ THANK YOU PLEASE LISTEN TO PREACHERS DAUGHTER IN ORDER

[@chargingyellow]

yes yes yes

[@Iron_Stigmata]

This was my first Ethel Cain song, the song hit me so hard it made me sob, but I couldn't stop listening to it. Not an easy introduction, but oh my God. It's phenomenal.

[@hannahblackwell3175]

Same I was petrified and nauseous but jumped right back into it😭

[@myopia2020]

You're such an empath, Mere🥰 Sometimes that's both a blessing and a curse. That was intense. I don't know too much about Ethel other than she's a trans woman whose father was a preacher (The few songs I've heard from Preacher's Daughter are very good) Oh, and that she finds yellow teeth attractive😬 (I watched part of a LIVE)

[@mendwithmere]

Ok, I had no idea about her history and I want to listen and react to so much more. And you are cracking me up about the yellow teeth!

[@myopia2020]

@@mendwithmere I made one of your faces when she said that!🤣

[@rayplaysguitar4257]

It’s amazing when a singer can portray how they felt in real life through music. Thanks for reacting, this is a hard but important subject ❤

[@owenadams6510]

Her drinking the Pepsi when she feels sick is kinda Ethel-coded idk

[@s0lgem]

i was also born in west virginia, although i've been in north carolina for well over a decade... let's just say that ethel cain's music is very cathartic for me

[@sorrelbee113]

I have got to say I was sexually abused as a child, and again as an adult Hearing the line "touch me till i vomit" hits me hard but seeing the empathy in your reaction hits me harder, I think I had a long time before i was able to handle others' empathy about these experiences. It's something I've been working on in therapy. This kind of signals... I dunno. Feels like something just loosened in me. I'll have to tell my own therapist, I think. Thank you On a completely different note, i really like Ethel Cain and this song; some of ny favorites of hers are Starvation Vultures, Unpunishable, and Crying During Sex. I'd love it if you could react to some of those. Starvation personally makes me very sad and I understand if, given how uncomfortable this song made you feel, you don't want to engage with more of Ethel's work. But i feel like her work can be very powerful for people who have been through this kind of abuse and trauma.

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for sharing this. I am definitely doing more of Ethel Cain. I want to say that, even though I don’t know you, I love you. I hate what you’ve gone through and I’m unsure if you are saying something loosened in a positive way? Or is it too much to hear/be reminded of? I wanted to vomit bc no one should be subjected to that but I also am aware how so so so many people have this experience but never share. It’s important not to stay hidden and I’m glad you shared bc someone else is reading this and feeling less alone. The victim shouldn’t bear the shame, even tho they often do, only the perpetrator should have the shame. Sending you 💗

[@sorrelbee113]

@@mendwithmere @mendwithmere thank you so much for your responsiveness, for checking in, for your continued empathy 💗 When I say something loosened, it's positive. Loosening in the sense of a tension I had grown so used to, I didn't realize it was there. You're so right that these experiences are unfortunately more common than many realize, and in my opinion while art like Ethel's may at times be discomforting or even painful to listen to, for many it helps us uncover a voice we've been struggling to find. You're so right about shame, too. There are all sorts of reasons we come to blame ourselves, as I've learned during recovery; something I would remind victims of abuse of any kind is that the abuser always had a choice, and it is never your fault that someone else chose to harm you.

[@mendwithmere]

I’m relieved to hear it is positive, you deserve to have it loosened and I want you to know I’m sending you so much ❤

[@HappyNBoy]

4:59 - Ethel is a character, and the character she's playing in this song is not only inbred, but in severe poverty. The holes in the door and a coal or wood stove (not one you can just turn off) are some of the hallmarks of that poverty on display. But yeah... dark fuckin' stuff... I think it's insanely evocative, and the wall of sound in the chorus, with its constant cymbal crashing, is just too good not to appreciate. It's As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner, but brought into the modern day in the spookiest of rural depression-core aesthetics. I can't get enough Ethel... Something really uniquely engaging about her music, and I understand that she does all the production on her own, too. I think all of Preacher's Daughter is worth checking out, but American Teenager might be the most palatable. Still VERY dark... but... manageably so.

[@benkoren7980]

This is my favorite song by her also if you want you can check the genius annotations on this song for some more context since she wrote many of the notes herself

[@dayt0nam3th]

you dont even know how happy I was when I saw that you're reacting to Ethels music !! hope to see more of her on your channel

[@mimimilani8620]

i highly reccomend hard times by ethel cain as well it also deals with this topic but in a really beautiful and interesting way

[@angelprat6080]

The topics that can be touched by you reacting to the full album are very useful and needed by so many people, BUT I really think that this album is a piece full of all that you felt just with this one song. i think that youtube isn't gonna promote this kind of content and sadly Ethel doesn't have a huge fan base to support this videos. if you decide to continue to post about her I will be impressed and grateful for your bravery but if you don't, we completely understand that this is hard. we love your content, nobody is doing what you do, in the way and with the nuance that you have.❤

[@vollmilchbaum6873]

my girl mere is NOT ready for the ethel cain catalogue x). but it is really gut wrenching

[@Destin65]

Powerful. Filled with pain. That ending, though. You can feel it.

[@nahuelconstantine]

Oh god…. I could only listen until the middle cause it was hard. Thank u for your thorough analysis Mere❤ I recommend you to listen to Florence and the Machine, particularly to King, Hunger or Various Saints and Storms. The themes in her songs vary so much. She is literally a mermaid on earth (there is kinda an intrinsic connection between her and water, the ocean). This shows in several of her songs. Another recommended artist is Weyes Blood. Well, I can’t put into words what I feel when I listen to her. Her voice is reminiscent of magic, purity, and a mix of galactic, powerful energy that covers up your entire body, particularly when you listen to Movies. Too hyperbolic but that is what I feel 💜 haha. Movies and Andromeda are fantastic! Their sounds are most unique. You will not regret. Also you kinda remind me of Florence! Xoxo💜

[@kitanakhan1]

I’ve chosen a tamer one, 😅interesting to see people’s viewpoint since it’s family for me

[@mendwithmere]

That’s a major compliment about Florence! It is very hard to listen to but so important. I will definitely check out and react to these other artists. I love the way you described how it makes you feel! Makes me so curious❤

[@Hannahbun21]

your first reaction of “okay, there’s something… wrong going on here” killed me 😂

[@oxytaboo]

as a person who’s been through all of this and because it is a norm in my family, this song is a coping mechanism for me.

[@MiguelAngelGB]

Please do ‘Hard Times’ by Ethel Caín as well please 😭

[@angeliquejudy8023]

I suffered through a lot of similar things that both her albums dive into. I love her music. I find it cathartic

[@karlycartwright]

Love that you mentioned deliverance, best southern movie

[@Shiro-uz2pq]

Omgg thank you for this!!! We need a preacher's daughter album reaction 😭❤

[@Cowgirl_creek]

"Sucking on the back of his leg to stay warm, that's very.....odd."

[@torir.3213]

I like to interpret the song as the mom and brother are actually already dead. “Something smells rotten and it’s starting to spread” and how her mom can’t “leave” the bed. And coming to the point were she loved and missed them so much it turn into something more.

[@bugass81]

I don’t think the brother is dead, at least not until the end of the song when the father possibly kills him for trying to protect ethel from him

[@themilkcartonangel]

the way she used my video! so funny to me for some reason 😭😭

[@doitsushine92]

first time seeing one of your videos and omg you were going through it... don't worry though that's pretty much how everyone feels listening to ethel's music for the first time. hayden (ethel's real name) is an amazing storyteller and she certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to telling the story she wants to tell

[@chasedaniels8086]

Thank you for having the courage to analyze these songs. And finding a voice for some of these people who have experienced this trauma or anything like it.

[@bryancarson5908]

This is my favorite Ethel song I’m so glad you’re getting into her! I’d also suggest artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Florence + The Machine, deep artists to digest but won’t make you feel as disgusted 💜

[@bimbokhoi]

I LOVE YOU MERE😭😭😭 PLZZZ DO MORE ETHEL CAIN PLEASEEEEEEE

[@samayreroman02]

Ughhhhh I’m so excited for you too react to more Ethel Cain!!!🖤🖤

[@Mekaeel.Bassadien]

Ethel Cain is literally the best artist to exist, she truly makes you feel something

[@jrm4625]

Hayden is an absolute genius at creating music and stories. She will forever be one of my favorite artists.

[@MiladySK]

When I was 17, I worked at a Church/Christian School, and the pastor spoke with me when I was upset, I ended up falling asleep on the sofa in his office. Upon waking, Ihe was nassaging my neck. I couldn't remember when or how I fell asleep or for how long or what may have transpired. I have so much anger towards the church now. He was so charismatic and likable and on fire in the pulpit but cruel behind the scenes harming his disabled child and cheating on his wife, etc. When I heard Preachers Daughter, it truly stood out to me. If you want to analyze anything by Ethel/Hayden, that would be the album. It's scary, beautiful, dark, and emotional.

[@elliotwright8583]

i’ve listened to this song so many times but seeing you react that way while breaking it down made me so sad and sick to my stomach. :(

[@t.b-p6f]

this is literally one of her best songs 😭

[@LowenAnthony]

i always thought she's talking about her own pregnancy from molestation-- when she says, "who will take the fall" and then "youll just want it more; if you could, youd have fought it, but you know that youre not" shes talking about her daughter maybe? whether its her father or brother though, not really sure.

[@klevisknushi8391]

You radiate such an empatic energy

[@guilmma]

loving to see some Ethel Cain here on the channel!

[@uhhidk127]

By the way if you choose to listen to more Ethel, this is her most unsettling song (imo), even though Ptolemaea is a literal horror movie. I think you’ll like Preachers Daughter, which is her debut album. It is a 76 minute epic involving generational trauma in which the character Ethel Cain eventually gets murdered and cannibalized. Heavy trigger warning on Strangers for the cannibalism. The only song depicting SA on the album (Hard Times) is nowhere near as graphic as Inbred.

[@3407]

i'm here after watching True Detective because of you and i love it. thanks for the suggestion

[@vindicationwolvensworn512]

This Whole New Southern Gothic music is really exposing the cracks of how people in traditional religious culture, are not as '' good and proper'' as they always claim to be, I was raised in a religious cult of 15 siblings, and let me tell you, there was marital rape, Incest, and beatings, I hated life, wanted to die, try to kill myself two times, I got schizophreniform Disorder, depersonalization/Derealization, (damn near had some paranormal experiences, ) I had an a violent Exorcism committed on me, Because my parents did not understand my autism. I almost became a neo-nazi, because of my post traumatic stress embitterment. the fact I am still alive today, amazes me, I am almost 30, but I was gonna jump off a cliff on my 29th birthday last July. Still waiting for things to get better, but right now I am fighting depression, Insomnia, and mild Anorexia. Ethel Cain kinda just drew me in, Because well, its relatable.

[@Moonsong_]

This made me sick, I know the song already and I love it but this made me understand it even more. It’s funny to me how she writes these kind of songs and then in reality she’s the sweetest human alive. I read a little about her child/teen-hood and woah, she had to go trough so much

[@simonettagenovese2518]

Where did she talk about this?

[@Moonsong_]

@@simonettagenovese2518 I found some information on Wikipedia. She might have talked about it but I have no idea

[@Xxs2xX]

so much to unpack... never heard ethel cain's music, that's my first time listening and i just never heard anyone make music like this, it's beyond be on being open her wounds to everyone

[@aivalee9943]

i interpret the story as she's being abused by her brother but her parents are letting it happen. (perhaps because they we're religious and she was trans). "they knew you were wrong". i agree that she's most likely entering freeze mode when it happens. "who knows how much longer i'll lay on the floor? touch me til i vomit". i also think she is singing this song while they are grown up and she is distanced from her brother and he has his own family. she could be expressing concern that her brother has a daughter and he probably would abuse her too. "does your baby know her daddy's a r*pist?" i think she is resentful of her entire family (rightfully so) for either allowing the abuse or maybe not accepting her identity. ethel cains music is gut wrenching in the best way.

[@CaliforniaCalled]

True Detective season 1 really gives off Ethel Cain vibes. Southern Gothic horror is what I think it's called

[@cassieingenesis]

PLEASSE PLEASE listen to more ethel, her music is dark very dark but it’s so interesting and her lyrics are amazing. Her album preachers daughter is a rollercoaster so if you listen make sure you read the genius annotations so you understand the story. Other songs not on PD I would reccomend: head in the wall, golden age, crush, two headed mother.

[@frankiesayspanic]

ethel cain’s like “AM I MAKIN YOU FEEL SIIIIIICK”

[@ClaraSoler-ld1jb]

omg when you mentioned true detective, YES! i totally agree, that's exactly the vibes i was getting.