With his latest single, “When I’m Stronger,” singer-songwriter Bill Greenberg takes listeners on a thoughtful journey through the human condition, with all its hopes and dreams, and struggles.
Talking about the song, Greenberg shares, “‘When I’m stronger’ will never come. It’s a wish and a prayer. You may have a vision of breaking out—but it’s a hopeless dream.”
Bill Greenberg
Before releasing “When I’m Stronger” and its predecessor, 2023’s “Ukraine,” Greenberg had not released any new material for more than two decades. His band, Bill’s band, dropped their only album, Basic Tracks, years ago. Sadly, the album was overlooked and went unnoticed. Yet songs on the album, such as “To Believe” and “Swear to God,” exhibit a minimalist post-punk style of folk music that conjured up suggestions of Neil Young.
Where “Ukraine” opposed the concept of war, “When I’m Stronger” announces Greenberg’s awareness of, and empathy for, the universal human longing for improving one’s lot in life.
On the one hand, “When I’m Stronger” is a bit gloomy, narrating a tale of inevitable dissatisfaction because of imperfection, on the other hand, the song reveals the tenacity and drive of the human spirit.
Opening on a gentle acoustic guitar topped by Greenberg’s soft, rich vocals, “When I’m Stronger” forges a starkly sad melody drenched in drifting sadness. At once poignant and hopeless, there’s a desperate wishfulness inherent in the lyrics – despite the certainty of defeat, he remains hopeful that he will become strong enough to find “a better life” and win back his pride.
“When I’m Stronger” explores the idea of hopelessness, an exploration that leads to purpose and, perhaps, at the same time redemption.
