Savior Complex by Phoebe Bridgers Song Info
On the eighth track on "Punisher", Phoebe talks about the psychological construct of a “Savior Complex.” She describes the ups and downs of a relationship dealing with her own personality. Also known as White Knight syndrome, a “savior complex” characterizes a person that feels the need to save other people and may actively seek out those in need to assist them. While it may sound positive, this can lead to the “savior” using it as an outlet to avoid their own problems and the other individual can struggle to take ownership over their own actions. "'Thematically, it’s like a sequel to “Moon Song.” It’s like when you get what you asked for and then you’re dating someone who hates themselves. Sonically, it’s one of the only songs I’ve ever written in a dream. I rolled over in the middle of the night and hummed — I’m still looking for this fucking voice memo, because I know it exists, but it’s so crazy-sounding, so scary. I woke up and knew what I wanted it to be about and then took it in the studio. That’s Blake Mills on clarinet, which was so funny: He was like a little schoolkid practicing in the hallway of Sound City before coming in to play.'" The music video, directed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and starring Paul Mescal, was released on December 1st, 2020 exclusively on Facebook.
