“The Fear of Losing This” by Florist

“The Fear of Losing This,” by indie folk group Florist, delves into the confrontation of life’s ephemeral nature and the quest to find solace in the inevitability of loss. Emily Sprague, Florist’s vocalist and songwriter, showcases her unique ability to undress complex, painful emotions through stripped-down lyrics and raw vocals.

Written in the aftermath of Sprague’s losing her mother, Florist’s 2017 album, “If Blue Could Be Happiness,” fearlessly explores grief and the many emotions that accompany it. “The Fear of Losing This” serves as a distilled essence of the entire album. With Florist’s signature plucky guitar and unprocessed, soft vocal sound, the song guides listeners through harsh truths while gently offering support through grief’s turbulent waters.

Emily Spragrue of Florist
Credit: Jillian Freyer

The song opens with a familiar sentiment often conveyed to those who have recently experienced a loss: instead of dwelling on your loss, embrace gratitude for what you still possess.

Open your eyes and see what you have

While well-intentioned in trying to redirect a grieving person’s gaze towards positive aspects of their life, this advice can seem paradoxical for those who are experiencing a new loss. With life’s fragility so abundantly clear in the wake of a loss, being told to focus on the positive can feel like being told to focus on how all the other things you enjoy can suddenly be taken from you. The ensuing verses articulate this lingering nihilism that follows loss.

But really I know inside, it’s all the same in death

But my mind is mine for now

I never asked to be here at all

So why do I have to face the fear of losing it

Of losing why I live

The second verse channels the familiar feelings of anger that arises from accepting the that loss is inevitable. Being alive means having to face grief for losses big and small. With this recognition, comes an appeal to a higher being for strength in facing all of life’s losses.

Now, every night, I pray to the stars

I say, “Please give me love, or please just give me strength”

The indie-folk group Florist

The song concludes with an acceptance that merges well-intentioned advice to appreciate life’s blessings with the harsh truths laid bare in the opening verse. It underscores the transient nature of love and possessions, yet embraces the beauty in holding onto fleeting moments.

And colors of love, they all become gray

Like everywhere I’ve been, won’t be there someday

It’s a beautiful thing that I keep close to me

And I won’t forget that nothing is mine to keep

“The Fear of Losing This” leaves listeners with an honest recognition of life and death, and a suggestion that we can hold this truth with earnest gratitude for life’s fleeting moments. While understanding and accepting this often requires years of grappling with loss, Florist encapsulates this journey in under four minutes, serving as a guiding hymn for those navigating loss.