Yours Truly Releases New Single, 'I Can't Feel,' About Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

On Mar. 21, Australian band Yours Truly released a new single “I Can’t Feel,” along with an accompanying music video, ahead of their new EP “Afterglow.”

• What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
• What Are Common Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms?

The single was inspired by lead singer Mikaila Delgado’s experiences with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she was diagnosed with when she was 2. Since connective tissue is what most of the body uses to provide strength and elasticity, EDS can result in widespread structural issues that range in severity. Some of the most common symptoms include joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility.

“‘I Can’t Feel’ is about struggles where you’re doubting yourself because of a condition you can’t control,” Delgado explained, adding:

Since EDS is an invisible disability, I sometimes have a feeling of having to prove my pain and discomfort for it to be legitimate to other people. This song is really special to me because I’ve always found it hard to explain the way I feel – what other people can’t see. Putting it in a song allowed me to say the things I’ve wanted to say for the past 21 years.

It can be difficult to explain the symptoms and challenges you’re facing due to chronic illness, especially when those around you haven’t experienced it themselves. As Mighty contributor Christie Wilson put it, “Nobody who doesn’t have this pain could understand, no matter how hard they try, and even if two people had the exact same pain, their bodies would process the signals differently.”

The “I Can’t Feel” lyrics may be relatable for anyone struggling with a chronic, invisible illness. The song highlights physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, the emotional exhaustion many of those with chronic illness face, the disbelief and judgment from others, and the difficulty of explaining your experiences.

I don’t know if I’m feeling right
Like this is something that’s in my mind now
There’s no signs, there’s no symptoms here
I’m aching in my bones, it’s getting outta hand

But I’m not afraid of this
If only I could put this mind to rest
My days blend into one another, see
Give me a moment to step back and breathe

I always feel like giving up
Feeling tired, outta luck
Let me tell you that I’ve had enough
I wish I could sleep at night
Close my eyes and feel alright
But my conscience, it has other plans, and I

And I don’t know if I’m feeling right
They tried to tell me it was in my mind, and I’ve
Been sleeping for days on end
Getting told to get out of bed and move forward

I can’t explain the pain
I’m fucking over it

In the music video, Delgado provides a visual representation of her symptoms using a voodoo doll. She pokes the doll in various parts of its body with a needle and is then seen wincing and holding parts of her own body in pain.

Toward the end of the song, the doll is submerged underwater, and Delgado can be seen clutching her neck and struggling to breathe. This seems to represent the feelings of desperation and helplessness many of those with chronic illness struggle with.

“I wrote [this song] at a time where I felt helpless about my health and that I’d never be able to get on with my life how I wanted to,” Delgado shared on Instagram. “I’m really hoping that anyone who is going through something tough in their lives feels something from it.”

You can watch the full music video below:

“I Can’t Feel” is available for purchase on iTunes. “Afterglow” will be available on April 12.

What do you think of the song? Let us know in the comments below.