I made sure to turn on my notifications for this. Jackson explained vaguely about what to expect from this album, so I was very curious since this is the first song. There are a lot of thoughts and emotions. And since it’s the first day, I will probably keep editing this. This is my thoughts as well as a mini analysis on concepts, the lyrics, and video itself.

Disclaimer

There’s going to be 2 disclaimers this time.

As always, I state my bias. I am a fan of Jackson Wang, and I am also a music enthusiast. So, I write this article from both of those things.

This is a very sensitive topic so if you’re not in a good headspace, know that things do get easier! And I also don’t suggest this piece. However, Regal Attraction has a ton of amazing content, please check it out!

Alright, if you’re still here, I will start the article!

HIGH ALONE (Thoughts + Analysis)

Jackson Wang has always been a creative artist. He always finds a way to make his concepts very cinematic. And I enjoy them thoroughly. As an artist I think that one of our jobs we do well is storytelling. 

So this one was no different. It starts off by showing base form Jackson and the Magic Man form of him.

Base form Jackson doesn’t have the costume, doesn’t have the makeup, doesn’t really have anything. This emphasizes vulnerability. There’s nothing to hide with. Just alone in an emptier space. 

I like how the set was very minimal as well and plain in hue mainly on a bluish grayscale. I think those choices, plus the way he is 

The most prominent colors in the video were blue and red. Those colors can symbolize a lot. Let’s just look at them through the story.

Magic Man is putting on an act, everyone is watching. All kinds of people. Different ages, different backgrounds. All watching the same man perform this act. No one has second thoughts about how dangerous it might be. They simply want their show. As an entertainer, you are pressured to feel this is your burden. But between you and me…look…your life matters more. Your happiness matters more. You’re not a product, you’re a human being. No matter what profession, okay? There’s going to be an uncomfortable cushion for this so now’s not the time to fully deep dive.

Anyways back to the story. Magic Man is performing a dangerous act where he is handcuffed and needs to escape from this water tank. You know the magic trick magicians perform. Extremely dangerous, but everyone is fully aware of this, but wants the show they paid for. Magic Man attempts the act, but it starts to go wrong quickly. He fights, but can’t escape.

What I took from the music video especially by the tank scene was how much people are desensitized to emotions nowadays. All of this can be used as a metaphor for something else. Something outside of the act. Where you’re locked down by someone or something that you just can’t shake. No matter how hard you try, you can’t get out. Could be a mindset, a workspace, a standard that you are held to, etc. you simply just can’t shake it. But people see you struggling as it gets harder to breathe as the weight becomes heavier. You know how drowning goes.

People tell you to clap, you applaud with ease. People are suffering right in front of you as you just watch. I’m going to call Jackson’s other character Magic Man if that’s okay. Magic Man is there to perform an act. But what the audience didn’t realize was he was suffering. But once they did they watched and watched and watched. Even getting a closer look at him

And so spoiler alert…Magic Man ends up drowning. With the audience right next to the tank tapping and tapping and tapping. All they did was sit, applaud, stand, and tap. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet. There’s more to come. Surprisingly!

At this point it felt eerie to me because what were we doing when it premiered? And on all of the media it was posted on? Tap. Some even wanting more when there’s nothing left to give. 

“Entertain me!” “When’s your next show?” “Hello!?” “Perform for me!”

Sounds familiar? It happens all the time in consumer based professions. The entitlement to someone and their services for your own joy. Knowing willingly they are struggling, knowing you would want the same. And for that…I’m sorry it’s gut wrenching. 

We also get a scene where Jackson is looking in the mirror and the MM makeup is taking over him. Basically taking over his private life. And I was thinking that would happen. I think we will explore this theme a bit more throughout this album. A lot of people say don’t take outside (life) inside work. And keep work life outside the door of home. Well what happens when the switch doesn’t click? Eventually you start to see the main thing you weren’t supposed to do slowly blend together. Creating a question of what really defines you, what’s your identity? What’s…well everything? Is anything real? And when does the illusion leave? There becomes an existential crisis in a way. You need a break to find out who you are.

Back to the story. The tank fills up red and Magic Man remains still. And that concludes the act for the people. And the audience leaves. No emotions, no thoughts, nothing to signify life. Just leave as they aren’t entertained. It gives…oh well. Tragic. Where’s the next performer to give me what I want? 

Sound wise there’s a lot going on. I think this really shows the complex nature of this topic (and many others). It has a sad tone to it, but also feels a bit eerily beautiful. I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say. Not the emotions of the topic, but the emotional feeling the sound is conveying. 

Lyrically it’s similar to what I was mentioning. There’s a lot of emptiness being described. We get lyrics on the drowning. And at the end there’s the hopefulness. I do hope that this “You’re worth it” is to himself as I feel he deserves to find happiness in himself. Let’s not take the lyrics as 100% truth. As a songwriter and writer in general, I know to not always take things literally. Shoot, sometimes it’s not even figuratively haha! So looking at them, I do see a lot of heavy themes in the lyrics. Some topics he has touched on before. Whether it was an interview or it was a song. I also noticed at the last Magic Man tour he mentioned how he wants everyone to feel entertained. Making everyone happy, but I hope now he is able to find happiness too. You deserve someone to match your energy. You owe it to yourself.

I think it was a perfect intro into what is to come for Magic Man 2. I don’t know if we’re ready for it, but it’s time we face the ugly truth of the entertainment industry, the audiences it pulls in, and what goes on in the minds of the entertainers. Or in this case the magic profession, the audience, and the minds of the magicians. I think also we will see the identity crisis when base form meets alter ego. There’s a lot poured into this and I can’t wait to see everything he is willing to tell. I have a few more predictions as well, but I want to wait until it’s released. Jackson and Team Wang, hit me up! We love to discuss this album, upcoming events, and honestly just talk to Jackson about anything! Alright that wraps things up for now. 

Magic Man, thank you for showing us the world in which you stay. Jackson, thanks for letting us into a portion of your world. And Jackson, we love you! Know your happiness comes first. We are not perfect, we don’t have spells, I know it’s hard to but focus on you and your happiness. And please let the team if they can read you some comments, I found them really encouraging! And I think it’s important to remember some of that stuff. And know you’re not alone no matter who you are!

So, what are your thoughts on the song? Do you have any predictions for what might be in the album? Remember I might update this article as learn more about this project. Also leave Jackson (and other readers) lots of love and encouraging messages. 🙂

Written & illustrated by: A.P.