(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)

The Sun’s First Kiss – Full Album (1:25:18)

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Google’s Deep Dive Podcast: Rebel Frequencies: The Evolution of Riot Grrrl

Ζωή: The Sun’s First Kiss – A Riot Grrrl Rebirth

“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
— Bono

From the first chords to the final echoes, The Sun’s First Kiss is more than just an album—it’s a declaration of rebirth. Drawing from the raw energy of Riot Grrrl, the emotional depth of alternative rock, and the poetic introspection of singer-songwriters, Zoe Summers crafts a sonic journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. The album’s title itself—derived from the Greek Ζωή (Zoí), meaning “life”—signals a new chapter, a reinvention, a first light after darkness.

With influences ranging from Avril Lavigne to Hayley Williams, Summers blends pop-punk’s rebellious grit with alternative rock’s emotional complexity, delivering anthems of defiance, ballads of longing, and fierce reflections on identity. Each track, from Fragments in the Glass to Tangled in the Current (Reprise), weaves together a story of breaking, rebuilding, and rising anew.

Whether you find yourself lost in the haunting echoes of Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls or fueled by the fire of Burning the Letters, The Sun’s First Kiss invites listeners into a world where vulnerability meets strength, and where every song is both a wound and a victory.

Tracks, etc.

General Song Style: Energetic Riot Grrrl pop-punk with catchy melodies, raw guitar riffs, and dynamic rhythms, blending punk’s edge with alternative rock’s versatility and expressive vocals for a raw yet melodic sound.

Lyric Style: [Female vocal style with raw, rebellious energy, blending punk rock grit and pop sensibility, transitioning from intimate, soft verses to powerful, anthemic choruses with emotional depth and dynamic intensity.]

1. “Fragments in the Glass”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Anthemic alt-rock with soaring melodies, dynamic guitars, and raw emotion, capturing the struggle of self-discovery and identity.

Theme: Struggling with Identity and Self-Doubt
The protagonist begins a journey of self-discovery, grappling with their fragmented sense of identity. This theme explores the internal search for who they truly are when everything they once knew seems broken.

[Verse]

A blessings in the secondhand

The message is as good as gone

It’s locked inside the onion

Bound to melt away with everyone

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

[Verse 2]

Curtains moving through the glass

Gushers green and slogging black

Let us in

Just let us gasp

One more praise for what we had

One more drop inside the pasture

These anecdotes are sure to cause a rash

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

[Verse 3]

Someone savvy

More-than-happy

Righteous

Pure and right on cue

Oops

I lost him

Used and costed

Time to eat and feel like you

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

[Verse 4]

Uninspired

Out of fire

What to do?

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

[Bridge]

(Congratulations)

What began as a gamble

Now lives on in the ample light of love

(New revelations)

Until there’s none

Just blessings left along the past

Double checking fragments in the glass

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

[Chorus]

Oh

You own me

Hi

They told me

Time to be somebody new

---

2. “Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Haunting, atmospheric rock with melancholic chords and intimate vocals, reflecting deep isolation and loneliness.

Theme: Isolation and Loneliness
The protagonist feels disconnected from the world, experiencing the weight of loneliness in the empty rooms and quiet walls around them. This theme reflects a sense of emotional exile and the quiet suffering of being alone.

[Verse]

Haunting empty rooms and quiet walls

More prison cell than castle halls

And they echo every cry and scream

Broken hearts in chains of unbreakable things

[Chorus 1]

Those are chains against shattering

They will say you’re imagining

But we know those nightmares are real

We know too well the bruises we conceal

[Verse 2]

We

Tempests tethered

Knowing this too shall last forever

And there are no windows

And everyone’s a wanted ghost

[Chorus 2]

With chains against shattering

They will say we’re imagining

But we know those nightmares in the dark

And we know too well the silent echoes

[Verse 3]

He says we could be safe someday

He shared my name and then he went away

I play pieces on the piano

Notes like chains

Silent echoes

[Chorus 1]

Those are chains against shattering

They will say you’re imagining

But we know those nightmares are real

We know too well the bruises we conceal

[Bridge]

And I know that I tried to hope

But my roommate was too Slytherin

Sixteen years of secrets

And things that have no rights at all

[Chorus 2]

With chains against shattering

They will say we’re imagining

But we know those nightmares in the dark

And we know too well the silent echoes

[Verse 4]
No doors, no dawn, no open sky
Just whispered truths and quiet lies
If I fade, will I be free?
Or just another ghost that no one sees?

[Chorus 1]

Those are chains against shattering

They will say you’re imagining

But we know those nightmares are real

We know too well the bruises we conceal

[Chorus 2]

With chains against shattering

They will say we’re imagining

But we know those nightmares in the dark

And we know too well the silent echoes

---

3. “Strangers in My Skin”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Dark yet energetic alt-rock, blending tension-filled verses with an explosive chorus, mirroring the clash between inner and outer identity.

Theme: The Tension Between Inner and Outer Self
As the protagonist navigates their identity, they feel out of sync with how they are perceived by others. This theme focuses on the discomfort of being caught between two versions of oneself—who they are inside and how the world sees them.

[Intro]

I walk through echoes of silence deep inside my mind

Tracing patterns in the dark, where shadows realign

A whispered thought, a fleeting glance, I think I almost know

But the moment slips away before it starts to grow

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Verse 1]

I know you will never love me

The way you think I wish you would

Just one more like it

Looking at me

Won’t believe it

But I think you should

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Verse 2]

It’s always the same

This room that I’m in

Looking outside through a two-way mirror

Feeling called as I sing of strangers in my skin

Breathing out because the water here is clear

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Verse 3]

I never notice when we are starting

I never leave when I should

The sun will rise between us now

But I can’t help saying that it’s good

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Verse 4]

As I feel you in my bones as I inhale the air in

As I shiver at the touch of your hand on my skin

As I cross my fingers now and leave the dead year behind

As I open once I’m in

I close my mind

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Bridge]

Between the seconds, time stands still

A fleeting ghost, a fragile thrill

You were here—or maybe not

The lines are blurred, the truth forgot

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Chorus]

First

I’m mostly numb

Then

It’s mostly fear

I feel relief drown out by doubt

I don’t know if you’re really near

[Outro]

The mirror fades, the night moves on

Footsteps echo, but you are gone

Maybe real, or just pretend

I breathe you out—then start again

---

4. “Stitches in the Storm”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Driving, uplifting rock with intense rhythms and emotive vocals, symbolizing resilience and healing through chaos.

Theme: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The protagonist faces personal storms—struggles, pain, and turmoil—but begins to stitch themselves back together. This theme explores the process of healing and finding strength amidst chaos.

[Verse 1]

It came crashing down one night

Fell apart heard sirens cry and I saw red blue lights

Swear that I lost my mind and I lost my pride

And I watched my life unravel right before my eyes

[Verse 2]

We held so much in cause we didn’t have much support

I hit the ground so fast I thought I’d hit the core

I had pride in the pain I’m afraid to report

But now the pain no longer in me something I can ignore

[Pre-Chorus]

I put my hands on me

Picked up the pieces of my soul

Together the storm and I sew

It made me strong now watch me grow

[Chorus]

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

I am the stitches in the storm

[Verse 3]

They call me restless but the salt keeps me steady

And I was born in flames so I burn when she’s ready

And now the audience wishes they never met me

I give them hell I set them fire and they said amen when it’s

[Pre-Chorus]

I put my hands on me

Picked up the pieces of my soul

Together the storm and I sew

It made me strong now watch me grow

[Chorus]

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

I am the stitches in the storm

[Verse 4]

All said and done I’m still the best of the worst

They call me their blessing but my family’s curse

I’m an artist in my weaknesses I craft and I sew

It made me strong the storm thank God and this is how the chorus goes

[Pre-Chorus]

I put my hands on me

Picked up the pieces of my soul

Together the storm and I sew

It made me strong now watch me grow

[Chorus]

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

The stitches in the storm

I am the stitches in the storm

---

5. “Shadows on the Ashes”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Moody, cinematic alt-rock with ethereal textures and a powerful crescendo, evoking rebirth from destruction.

Theme: Rebirth and Transformation
In the aftermath of loss and destruction, the protagonist finds new growth in the shadows of the past. This theme symbolizes the emergence of something beautiful from the ashes of what was once destroyed.

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Verse 1]

Falling sky

Darkened valley

Scattered blood for loving eyes

White rocks reddened by the cries

Of sculptors and centuries

But I will rise

I will rise

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Verse 2]

An orchard grows

On my fortune

I grew alone

Built a home from my old body

Don’t need to be seen and known by somebody else

I can’t keep on my old Eden

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Verse 3]

Voices loud

Stone foundations

But time won’t wait for silent mouths

Worn hands tremble, tear the shroud

Of walls we raised in bitter years

And still, I rise

Still, I rise

[Break]

Ashes on ashes

Midas hold blackened gold

Quietly

A chorus hums to me

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Bridge]

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

[Verse 4]

Moonlight calls

In the distance

I walk alone through empty halls

Old portraits fall, but I stand tall

For every scar, there’s light within

And I will rise

Yes, I will rise

[Chorus]

You can’t bring back old stories

Young glory

Once was only one

Can’t take one sip of Eden

Let them see

The end

Once was only one

[Post-Chorus]

I will rise

On these ashes

On these ashes

I will rise

On the ashes of my mind

---

6. “Burning the Letters”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Cathartic, high-energy rock with fiery riffs and anthemic hooks, embodying emotional liberation and release.

Theme: Letting Go of the Past
The protagonist decides to rid themselves of the past—burning the letters that hold onto old wounds and regrets. This theme represents emotional liberation and the courageous act of leaving behind things that no longer serve them.

[Intro]
Burning the letters (burning the letters)
Burning the letters (burning your letters)
Maybe I will never know
I will never know
You will never know

[Verse 1]
A beautiful garden was left to rot
Those artifacts weren’t holy
A glass house full of rocks
My mind wasn’t pink but it wasn’t quite blue
Played with fire then blamed me for barbecuing

[Chorus]
Burning the letters
Setting my mind free
And it’s like that
Weightless
Just like that

[Verse 2]
Oncoming traffic but I’d rather swim
Safety in numbers but it’s not the same as friends
And I have been silent for so long
You don’t need to come back
Baby
I have been gone

[Chorus]
Burning the letters
Setting my mind free
And it’s like that
Weightless
Just like that
Hair in a braid again Tears come and go
Bikini top but the water’s fucking cold (my, oh my)
Maybe I will never know
Maybe I will never know
Holding hands until we both let go

[Verse 3]
I heard your voice in the shape of a song
Muffled and broken but still singing along
Tied up in ribbons, regrets in a bow
Maybe it’s better if I never know

[Chorus]
Burning Please smoke before you get back in line
Just don’t speak and say you’re right
You always say you’re just fine
Maybe I will never know
Maybe I will never know
Holding hands until we both let go

[Verse 4]
No more rewinds, no final goodbyes
Just static and silence, no compromise
If you ever find what you couldn’t see
Hope it keeps you warmer than you did me

[Bridge]
(Who in the hell are you?)
She was singing Kumbaya
(Who in the hell are you?)
Inhaling paint fumes and expired Délicieux
(Who the hell are you?)
Don’t get me started on that girl from Kentucky
At least I know the songbird loves me
He loves me

[Chorus]
Burning Please smoke before you get back in line
Just don’t speak and say you’re right
You always say you’re just fine
Maybe I will never know
Maybe I will never know
Holding hands until we both let go

[Outro]
(Oh-whoa)
(Ah, ah)
(Mhmmm)
You will never know

---

7. “Flicker and Fade”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Dreamy, bittersweet indie rock with shimmering guitars and wistful melodies, capturing fleeting love and its lingering echoes.

Theme: Transience of Love and Connection
The protagonist experiences a brief, transient relationship or connection that burns brightly but quickly fades. This theme reflects the fleeting nature of love, and how even brief moments can leave lasting impressions.

[Chorus]

Most of the things in life that are worth it flicker and

Fade like the flame of that one summer settled our

Souls but we’ll never know why something

So deep never stayed ’cause the good ones just flicker and fade

[Verse]

Drunk on a thousand happy days

Under the covers

Dreaming

And before you came

It was all so dull

But since you’ve gone

Funny enough

It’s still all the same

You know it’s still all the same

[Pre-Chorus]

Mm

But I couldn’t care less about a love that’ll last

Let’s light this thing so it burns me up fast

‘Cause for one of those nights

I’d do it a thousand other times

[Chorus]

Most of the things in life that are worth it flicker and

Fade like the flame of that one summer settled our

Souls but we’ll never know why something

So deep never stayed ’cause the good ones just flicker and fade

[Verse 2]

We were only meant to stay half-broken

On different ends of the looking glass

The time of my life burned so fast

And then it was gone

Wish it was not

But since you’ve gone

It’s just the same

You know it’s still all the same

[Bridge]

But I couldn’t care less ’bout a love that’ll last

Let’s light this thing so it burns me up fast

‘Cause for one of those nights

You know I’d do it

A thousand other times

[Chorus]

Most of the things in life that are worth it flicker and

Fade like the flame of that one summer settled our

Souls but we’ll never know why something

So deep never stayed ’cause the good ones just flicker and fade

[Verse 3]
Dancing through echoes of midnight laughter
Lost in a world built for just you and me
But even the stars burn out in the afterglow
We held on tight,
For dear life,
But love like that
Was never meant to survive

[Pre-Chorus]
Mm
But I couldn’t care less about a love that’ll last
Let’s light this thing so it burns me up fast
‘Cause for one of those nights
I’d do it a thousand other times

[Chorus]
Most of the things in life that are worth it flicker and
Fade like the flame of that one summer settled our
Souls but we’ll never know why something
So deep never stayed ’cause the good ones just flicker and fade

[Verse 4]
Wrote you a letter but never sent it
The ink bled out like the love we spent
I could read it now, but what’s the point?
Time moves on,
Hearts move too,
And yet somehow,
I’m still stuck on you

[Bridge]
But I couldn’t care less ’bout a love that’ll last
Let’s light this thing so it burns me up fast
‘Cause for one of those nights
You know I’d do it
A thousand other times

[Chorus]
‘Cause most of the things in life that are worth it flicker and
Fade like the flame of that one summer settled our
Souls but we’ll never know why something
So deep never stayed
Because the good ones just flicker and fade

The good ones just flicker and fade

The good ones just flicker and fade

The good ones just flicker and fade

The good ones just flicker and fade

---

8. “The Space Between Sighs”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Introspective, slow-burning alt-rock with deep basslines and emotive vocals, exploring vulnerability and mental exhaustion.

Theme: Mental Health Struggles and Vulnerability
In this reflective moment, the protagonist grapples with emotional exhaustion and the burden of their internal struggles. The “space between sighs” represents the stillness and moments of introspection between waves of emotional heaviness.

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda out

It envelops me

In its long, heavy sigh

[Verse 1]

I lie back and feel it

A weight that’s all my own

And I know

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda out

It envelops me

In its long, heavy sigh

[Verse 2]

On a cool white pillow

The bright of a silent TV

Wave after wave, and I breathe

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda out

It envelops me

In its long, heavy sigh

[Verse 3]

I lie back and take it

Just waitin’ for pretend

To become me

[Bridge]

A heavy fucking sigh

Down I fall

Scream through the silence—my cracks start to show
A raw revelation—no place left to go
Between every sigh, a war in my head
I break just to fucking feel—I fight to be fucking fed

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda out

It envelops me

In its long, heavy sigh

[Verse 4]

For some sense of achievement

In visions I happen to see

Wave after wave, and I breathe

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda calm

It envelops me

In a long, heavy sigh

[Chorus]

The space between sighs

The eye in the storm

The rest of the day wrapped in dark

Kinda stuck here

Kinda out

It envelops me

In its long, heavy sigh

---

9. “Tangled in the Current”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Pulsing, immersive rock with fluid rhythms and urgent melodies, expressing the struggle between control and surrender.

Theme: Struggling with Control and Surrender
The protagonist is pulled in multiple directions, overwhelmed by external pressures and internal conflicts. This theme explores the tension between trying to control life’s flow and learning to surrender to its unpredictable current.

[Intro]

Woke up in the tide again

Floating where the deep begins

Echoes in the undertow

Pulling whispers I don’t know

[Verse 1]

Just another day with a runaway train of thought

Thought this would drown me

But this flood was all inside ma own head

Ain’t nothing to lose till you tell yourself you won’t

[Pre-Chorus 1]

Just give up and start again

And then you just won’t give in

Shouldn’t let these thoughts run so wild

But you try to settle down

Only drags you further out

[Chorus]

Swear I’m just a stranger to my head

Drifting up

Getting caught in all its waves

Can’t make no sense of all it says

Do ya just find a way to swim or drown?

Tangled in the current now

[Verse 2]

Every different wave got a different starling spark

Ma mind likes to burden

The outside keeps pullin’ in till it’s bright red

What will it do next

You just wonder till you don’t

[Pre-Chorus 2]

Just give up and start again

And then you just won’t give in

Shouldn’t let these thoughts run so wild

But you try to settle down

Only drags you further out

[Chorus]

Swear I’m just a stranger to my head

Drifting up

Getting caught in all its waves

Can’t make no sense of all it says

Do ya just find a way to swim or drown?

Tangled in the current now

[Verse 3]

Raindrops hit like echoes from a song I used to know

They remind me

Of all the voices whispering in my own head

Can’t turn ‘em off But I try and then I don’t

[Pre-Chorus 3]

Just give up and start again

And then you just won’t give in

Shouldn’t let these thoughts run so wild

But you try to settle down

Only takes you further out

[Verse 4]

What if I surrender,

let the water pull me low?

Would I find some meaning

In the rhythm of the ocean, let it take me?

Maybe I’m not meant to fight

Maybe I should just let go

[Bridge]

Take a breath, take a dive

Maybe I’ll learn how to survive

Or maybe I’ll just close my eyes

And let the current guide the ride

[Chorus]

Swear I’m just a stranger to my head

Drifting up

Getting caught in all its waves

Can’t make no sense of all it says

Do ya just find a way to swim or drown?

Tangled in the current now

[Outro]

Maybe I’ll float, maybe I’ll sink

Maybe I’ll learn what these voices mean

Or maybe I won’t, but that’s alright

Let the water hold me tight

---

10. “Rusted Crowns”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Gritty, empowering alt-rock with bold instrumentation and defiant lyrics, celebrating self-acceptance and resilience.

Theme: Reclaiming Power and Self-Acceptance
The protagonist finds strength in their scars and past struggles. The “rusted crown” symbolizes their resilience and reclaiming their authority, accepting that their flaws and imperfections are part of their strength.

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

[Verse]

No one gets a crown who’s never crawled

Perfect statues only live in halls

And mine still pits

Cracks on the surface

A dripping costume

A little unworthy

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

[Verse 2]

And I wept and learned I had the whole world

Thought I lost the earth

Found solid ground

When I leak and purge all the guilt in me

I can almost see what’s meanin’ and worthy

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

[Verse 3]

_Did someone teach you that you ain’t bones

Girl?_

Heaven knows you got a lot to give

Settle for the fake when all you sumin’ is–

_Oh

They can think

But gods know_

_We found –

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

[Chorus]

Rusted crowns all on thе floor

And we

Gulp down like sixty-four degree

Forcе-fed like lemons from a can

We keep lovin’ when we’re dead

We don’t care

We eat what’s rich to us

Rusted crowns all on the floor

And we

Gulp down like sixty-four degree

Force-fed like lemons from a can

And we keep lovin’ when we’re dead

We don’t care

We eat what’s rich to us

[Verse 4]

No one gets a crown who’s never crawled

Perfect statues only live in halls

And mine still pits

Cracks on the surface

A dripping costume

A little unworthy

But I’m workin’ on it

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

[Chorus]

Take my doubt and my fears away

Bleach my hopes

Make my dreams decay

Underneath

What is left when all I put in me is dead?

Oh

Help me

I need your mercy

Can’t help me with you like the first time

Oh

Feel me

---

11. “Wires Across My Heart”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Tense yet heartfelt alternative rock with intricate guitar work and layered harmonies, depicting love’s emotional conflict.

Theme: Vulnerability and Self-Protectiveness in Love
The protagonist is torn between the desire to love and be loved and the need to protect their heart. The wires represent both a barrier and a protective mechanism, showing the struggle between opening up and guarding oneself from further pain.

[Verse 1]

Baby when you met me

Why didn’t you run?

Love somebody like me when number one

Don’t you know I’m dangerous?

I’ve already said too much

Boy

What’s wrong with us? (What’s wrong with us?)

[Chorus]

I warned you at the start (Right at the start)

There’s wires across my heart

These wires across my heart

What you running from the dark? (Right from the dark)

When you aim to love me like art

I guess it’s just the wires in my heart

[Verse 2]

It’s been said that once you’ve lost me

I’m saying nothing more

We might restore what we both lost before

You make it possible

Explaining miracles

But here there’s nothing more

[Chorus]

I warned you at the start (Right at the start)

There’s wires across my heart

These wires across my heart

What you running from the dark? (Right from the dark)

When you aim to love me like art

I guess it’s just the wires in my heart

[Verse 3]

You were like a vision

I couldn’t fight

While I was blind

You gently touched my eyes

Now

Boy

You love me so (Oh, no)

And I can’t seem to let that go

I’ve already told you so

[Chorus]

I warned you at the start (Right at the start)

There’s wires across my heart

These wires across my heart

What you running from the dark? (Right from the dark)

When you aim to love me like art

I guess it’s just the wires in my heart

[Bridge]

I wanna go but I can’t (But I can’t)

I wanna know

So take my hand

You’re breaking these wires in two

I may have broke

Oh

I can’t

I wanna know

So take my hand

You’re breaking these wires in two

I warned you at the start (Right at the start)

There’s wires across my heart

These wires across my heart

What you running from the dark? (Right from the dark)

When you aim to love me like art

[Chorus]

I warned you at the start (Right at the start)

There’s wires across my heart

These wires across my heart

What you running from the dark? (Right from the dark)

When you aim to love me like art

I guess it’s just the wires

---

12. “Tangled in the Current (Reprise)”

[Female vocals, Riot Grrrl, raw, rebellious, punky grit & pop]

Dreamy, bittersweet indie rock with shimmering guitars and wistful melodies, capturing fleeting love and its lingering echoes.

Theme: Acceptance and Flow of Life
The final song mirrors earlier struggles, but now the protagonist has come to terms with the flow of life. This theme emphasizes acceptance, letting go of control, and finding peace in surrendering to the currents of their journey.

[Intro]
Whispers in the water call my name
Moonlight paints the path I claim
No fear, no weight, just open hands
Drifting toward the promised lands

[Verse 1]
Can’t tell what’s east or west
North or south, I just
Believe there’s some way through this river
Oh
It’s larger than me (Oh)
I’m just a woman (Mm)

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Verse 2]
Echoes of the mothers pull me in
Ancient voices on the wind
Tides that cradle, tides that break
Teach me how much I can take

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Verse 3]
Silver threads of time unwind
Braided soft into the brine
All my questions, all my doubt
Dissolve as I am carried out

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Verse 4]
No need to fight what must be free
No need to tame what moves in me
The river knows, the river hums
And I become what I become

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Bridge]
Within yearning
It’s concerning
Int’resting
When returning
The current’s there
What am I doing?
With you again?
What are we doing together?
Maybe this is living?
Maybe it’s supposed to be tumultuous?
The believings are
Serene in the surrender
That is

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Chorus]
The current takes me by the hand
Matriarch I am and
Takes me where goddesses stand
Now
I surrender all I have
In the current where I’m at and
I know when to just let go
And rise

[Outro]
Drifting now into the deep
Carried softly into sleep
No fear, no weight, just open hands
Drifting toward the promised lands

---

The Requiem of Solace

Lirien had always found her peace in music. Ever since she was a child, long before she had the words to describe who she truly was, melodies had been her sanctuary. Strings hummed the secrets she couldn’t yet speak, brass blared the defiance she wished she could embody, and the grand crescendo of an orchestra made her feel like she existed, fully and unapologetically. But for years, the stage had been a battleground—a place where her love for music clashed with the relentless expectations of the world.

When Lirien came out as a transgender woman, she thought the music world would welcome her as it always had. Instead, she found doors quietly closing. Auditions that once felt promising turned distant. Some said it wasn’t about who she was, but she could feel the shift, the unspoken dissonance. She could play a violin concerto that brought an audience to tears, yet still be treated as if she were an out-of-tune instrument.

Then came TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana—a name that sounded like a promise. Unlike traditional ensembles bound by rigid hierarchies and century-old gatekeeping, Orchestra Americana was different. It wasn’t just about playing music; it was about telling untold stories, weaving diverse cultural threads into something entirely new. A friend sent Lirien a call for auditions, and for the first time in a long while, she felt hope.

The audition hall wasn’t a cold, impersonal room with an invisible panel of judges. It was alive—painted murals of Indigenous histories adorned the walls, and the musicians who filled the space carried instruments from all corners of the world. A Lakota drummer exchanged nods with a violinist of Irish descent, while a Peruvian charango player tuned their strings beside a Black jazz trumpeter. Lirien hesitated at the doorway, overwhelmed by the sheer harmony of difference.

A voice called out to her—a woman in a flowing burgundy shawl with streaks of silver in her braids. “You play?” she asked warmly.

“Yes,” Lirien answered, gripping the worn case of her violin.

“Then welcome home,” the woman said simply.

In Orchestra Americana, music was no longer just performance—it was storytelling, revolution, and healing. Lirien found herself swept into compositions that honored Indigenous chants, jazz improvisations, and folk ballads, all layered into a breathtaking soundscape. She played as if she were breathing for the first time, unburdened by expectation, free to exist not as a token or an exception, but as a musician. As herself.

The orchestra’s first major performance, Requiem of Solace, was a bold symphony of resilience, echoing centuries of struggles and triumphs. Lirien’s solo piece, written for her by a Two-Spirit composer, wove her own journey into the symphony—a violin crying out in yearning, soaring in joy, breaking and rebuilding in harmony with the ensemble. The night of the premiere, as the final note resonated through the concert hall, Lirien looked out at the standing ovation, at the people who saw her, truly saw her, and she knew: she belonged.

Takeaway

Lirien’s journey with TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana is a testament to the transformative power of representation and inclusion in the arts. Too often, the world of classical and orchestral music has been confined to rigid traditions, leaving little space for those who exist outside the conventional mold. However, when music is allowed to embrace diversity—not just in culture, but in identity—it becomes a force of healing, empowerment, and truth.

This story serves as a reminder that every individual deserves a place where their voice—whether spoken or played through an instrument—can be heard. True artistry thrives when people are allowed to bring their full, authentic selves into the space, creating something that resonates far beyond the stage. Like Lirien, we all deserve a requiem of solace—one where we are not just seen, but celebrated.

---

Summary

The provided text showcases a collection of songs by (AI Gen) Ζωή titled The Sun’s First Kiss, released in 2025. The album, presented by TATANKA, blends Riot Grrrl energy with alternative rock’s emotional depth, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation through its lyrics and sound. The songs cover diverse personal struggles, from battling identity to grappling with mental health and fleeting love, ending with the embrace of self-acceptance. Additionally, it touches on Lirien’s story, highlighting how TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana fosters inclusivity for transgender artists. The organization seemingly champions diversity and provides a platform for untold stories in the arts, aiming for healing and empowerment through music.

Briefing Document: TATANKA – (AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)

Date: February 14, 2025

Source: TATANKA website excerpts

Subject: Analysis of the album “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” and related TATANKA initiatives.

Overview:

This briefing document analyzes the TATANKA-produced album “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” by Zoe Summers. It also examines the broader context of TATANKA’s mission, values, and initiatives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the album’s significance. The album is presented as a Riot Grrrl rebirth with themes of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. TATANKA, as an organization, appears to be focused on inclusivity, diversity, Indigenous wisdom, and using music as a vehicle for social change.

Main Themes and Ideas:

• Riot Grrrl Rebirth and Musical Style: The album is explicitly positioned as a resurgence of the Riot Grrrl movement within alternative rock. The musical style is described as “Energetic Riot Grrrl pop-punk with catchy melodies, raw guitar riffs, and dynamic rhythms, blending punk’s edge with alternative rock’s versatility and expressive vocals for a raw yet melodic sound.” The lyric style emphasizes “raw, rebellious energy, blending punk rock grit and pop sensibility, transitioning from intimate, soft verses to powerful, anthemic choruses with emotional depth and dynamic intensity.”
• Themes of Self-Discovery and Transformation: The album explores themes of identity, resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through vulnerability. Individual songs delve into specific struggles, such as:
• “Fragments in the Glass”: Struggling with identity and self-doubt. “A journey of self-discovery, battling self-doubt, and piecing together a fragmented identity amid emotional turmoil.”
• “Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls”: Isolation and loneliness. “A haunting reflection on isolation, loneliness, and the silent weight of emotional exile.”
• “Strangers in My Skin”: The tension between inner and outer self. “The struggle between inner identity and external perception, feeling out of sync with oneself and the world.”
• “Stitches in the Storm”: Resilience in the face of adversity. “Resilience through chaos, finding strength and healing while piecing oneself back together.”
• “Shadows on the Ashes”: Rebirth and transformation. “Rising from loss and destruction, embracing transformation and rebirth from the remnants of the past.”
• “Burning the Letters”: Letting go of the past. “Letting go of painful memories, releasing the past, and finding emotional freedom in starting anew.”
• “Flicker and Fade”: Transience of love and connection. “The beauty and pain of fleeting love, where deep connections burn brightly but quickly disappear.”
• “The Space Between Sighs”: Mental health struggles and vulnerability. “A raw look at emotional exhaustion, mental health struggles, and the quiet moments between battles.”
• “Tangled in the Current”: Struggling with control and surrender. “The tension between control and surrender, fighting against or flowing with life’s unpredictable forces.”
• “Rusted Crowns”: Reclaiming power and self-acceptance. “Reclaiming power through scars and struggles, embracing imperfections as a source of strength.”
• “Wires Across My Heart”: Vulnerability and Self-Protectiveness in Love. “The push and pull of love, torn between vulnerability and the instinct to guard a fragile heart.”
• “Tangled in the Current (Reprise)”: Acceptance and flow of life. “A final surrender to life’s flow, accepting uncertainty, and finding peace in letting go.”
• TATANKA’s Mission and Values: The TATANKA website highlights a commitment to:
• Mission: As indicated by the navigation menu items, TATANKA emphasizes AI, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
• Humanist Blueprint: This suggests a guiding philosophy centered on human values and potential.
• Radical Inclusion: Indicating a dedication to welcoming and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, as exemplified by the story of Lirien and Orchestra Americana.
• Aligning with Global Indigenous Wisdom: Suggests an intention to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into their work. This is further emphasized by the quote from Sitting Bull and the mention of the Lakota drummer in Orchestra Americana.
• Orchestra Americana: This is presented as a diverse and inclusive musical ensemble that tells “untold stories” and promotes healing. It contrasts with traditional, hierarchical orchestras. The story of Lirien, a transgender woman finding acceptance and artistic fulfillment in the Orchestra Americana, serves as a key example of TATANKA’s commitment to inclusion and representation in the arts. “Too often, the world of classical and orchestral music has been confined to rigid traditions, leaving little space for those who exist outside the conventional mold. However, when music is allowed to embrace diversity—not just in culture, but in identity—it becomes a force of healing, empowerment, and truth.”
• AI-Generated Music: The “(AI Gen)” designation suggests the album was created, at least in part, using artificial intelligence. This aligns with TATANKA’s emphasis on technology and innovation, particularly in AI.
• Social Justice and Empowerment: The album and TATANKA’s associated initiatives are positioned as tools for social justice and empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities like LGBTQIA+ individuals and Indigenous peoples.

Key Quotes:

• Bono: “Music can change the world because it can change people.” This quote sets the stage for understanding the album as a vehicle for social change.
• Album Description: “From the first chords to the final echoes, The Sun’s First Kiss is more than just an album—it’s a declaration of rebirth… a sonic journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.”
• TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana: “Unlike traditional ensembles bound by rigid hierarchies and century-old gatekeeping, Orchestra Americana was different. It wasn’t just about playing music; it was about telling untold stories, weaving diverse cultural threads into something entirely new.”
• TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana (Lirien’s Story): “Lirien’s journey with TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana is a testament to the transformative power of representation and inclusion in the arts.”
• Sitting Bull: “It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land.” This reinforces TATANKA’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all beings.

Conclusion:

“(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” is presented as more than just a music album; it’s a statement of rebirth, resilience, and social change, deeply intertwined with TATANKA’s broader mission of inclusivity, diversity, and leveraging technology (including AI) for positive impact. The album’s themes and TATANKA’s initiatives suggest a focus on empowering marginalized voices and promoting a more equitable and sustainable future. The inclusion of Lirien’s story further highlights TATANKA’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ representation and creating spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Sun’s First Kiss

• What is the overall theme of the album “The Sun’s First Kiss?”

The album is a sonic journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. It explores themes of rebirth, reinvention, and finding a new beginning after darkness. It delves into emotional vulnerability, the struggle with identity, and the journey of piecing oneself back together through strength and healing.

• What musical styles and influences are incorporated into Ζωή’s “The Sun’s First Kiss?”

The album draws from Riot Grrrl’s raw energy, alternative rock’s emotional depth, and singer-songwriter introspection. Musical influences include Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams. The songs blend pop-punk’s rebellious grit with alternative rock’s complexity and use catchy melodies, raw guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms, punk’s edge, and expressive vocals.

• How does the song “Fragments in the Glass” explore the theme of identity?

“Fragments in the Glass” explores the struggle with identity and self-doubt. The protagonist grapples with their fragmented sense of self and searches for their true identity amid emotional turmoil, questioning who they truly are when their past beliefs and understandings are shattered.

• What emotional state is depicted in “Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls,” and how is it conveyed?

“Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls” depicts profound isolation and loneliness. The haunting, atmospheric rock style, melancholic chords, and intimate vocals reflect the protagonist’s disconnection from the world and the weight of emotional exile, emphasizing the quiet suffering of being alone.

• In “Stitches in the Storm,” how does the protagonist find strength amidst adversity?

In “Stitches in the Storm,” the protagonist faces personal storms and begins to heal and rebuild themselves. The song symbolizes resilience through chaos, finding strength and healing while piecing oneself back together, illustrating the process of overcoming struggles and pain.

• What does the song “Shadows on the Ashes” symbolize?

“Shadows on the Ashes” symbolizes rebirth and transformation. The protagonist finds new growth in the aftermath of loss and destruction, signifying the emergence of something beautiful from the remnants of the past, embracing the possibility of a new beginning.

• How does “Burning the Letters” represent emotional liberation?

“Burning the Letters” embodies emotional liberation and release by depicting the protagonist’s decision to let go of painful memories. It represents the courageous act of leaving behind things that no longer serve them and finding emotional freedom by ridding themselves of the past.

• What message does Lirien’s story in The Requiem of Solace convey about representation in the arts?

Lirien’s story emphasizes the transformative power of representation and inclusion in the arts. It highlights how embracing diversity, not just in culture but in identity, creates healing, empowerment, and truth. It underscores the idea that every individual deserves a place where their voice can be heard and celebrated, fostering artistry that resonates far beyond the stage.

Ζωή: The Sun’s First Kiss (2025) Study Guide

I. Key Concepts and Themes

• Riot Grrrl Rebirth: Understand the resurgence of Riot Grrrl influences in contemporary music and its connection to themes of female empowerment and rebellion.
• Self-Discovery and Identity: Explore how Zoe Summers uses her music to navigate themes of self-discovery, fragmented identity, and the tension between inner and outer self.
• Resilience and Healing: Recognize the album’s emphasis on overcoming adversity, finding strength through chaos, and embracing transformation and rebirth.
• Vulnerability and Emotional Expression: Analyze how the lyrics delve into emotional vulnerability, mental health struggles, and the importance of expressing raw emotions.
• Letting Go and Acceptance: Understand the themes of releasing the past, accepting the flow of life, and finding peace in surrendering to uncertainty.
• TATANKA’s Mission: Understand TATANKA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the representation of marginalized voices in the arts, particularly its support for transgender artists and Indigenous perspectives.
• Orchestra Americana Understand TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana as a safe haven for those traditionally excluded from classical music.

II. Song Analysis

For each song on the album, consider the following:

• Title Meaning: What does the title suggest about the song’s content?
• Theme: What are the central themes explored in the song?
• Lyrical Style: How does the lyrical style contribute to the song’s overall message?
• Musical Style: How does the musical style (e.g., pop-punk, alt-rock) enhance the emotional impact of the song?
• Personal Connection: How might listeners connect with the themes presented in the song?

III. Connections to TATANKA

• Mission Alignment: How does the album “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” reflect TATANKA’s mission statement regarding diversity, inclusion, and social justice?
• Orchestra Americana: What role does Orchestra Americana play in promoting inclusivity and representation in the arts, as exemplified by Lirien’s story?
• Indigenous Wisdom: How does the reference to Sitting Bull’s quotes connect TATANKA’s mission to aligning with global Indigenous wisdom for a sustainable future?

IV. Comprehension Quiz

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. How does “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” embody a “Riot Grrrl rebirth?”
2. What role does music play in Lirien’s journey of self-discovery in The Requiem of Solace?
3. Describe the theme of identity in “Fragments in the Glass.”
4. What is the significance of “rusted crowns” in the song of the same title?
5. How does “Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls” explore feelings of isolation?
6. Explain the central struggle depicted in “Tangled in the Current.”
7. How does “Stitches in the Storm” represent resilience?
8. What message does “Burning the Letters” convey?
9. How is vulnerability explored in “Wires Across My Heart?”
10. What is the symbolic importance of TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana?

V. Quiz Answer Key

1. The album captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the Riot Grrrl movement by focusing on female empowerment, defiance, and emotional expression through pop-punk and alt-rock.
2. Music serves as Lirien’s sanctuary and means of self-expression, allowing her to exist fully and unapologetically as a transgender woman, especially within TATANKA’s inclusive Orchestra Americana.
3. “Fragments in the Glass” explores the protagonist’s struggle with a fragmented sense of self and the journey to piece together their identity amid emotional turmoil and self-doubt.
4. “Rusted Crowns” symbolizes resilience, reclaiming power, and embracing imperfections as a source of strength, highlighting the journey of self-acceptance through scars and struggles.
5. “Empty Rooms and Quiet Walls” depicts the protagonist’s feelings of disconnection from the world, reflecting a sense of emotional exile and the quiet suffering of being alone in their internal prison.
6. “Tangled in the Current” portrays the struggle between trying to control life’s flow and learning to surrender to its unpredictable forces, highlighting the tension between control and surrender.
7. “Stitches in the Storm” symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, showing the protagonist facing personal storms and healing through chaos by piecing themselves back together.
8. “Burning the Letters” conveys the message of emotional liberation by encouraging listeners to let go of painful memories, release the past, and find freedom in starting anew.
9. “Wires Across My Heart” explores vulnerability by depicting the protagonist’s internal conflict between the desire to love and be loved, and the need to protect their heart from potential pain.
10. TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana symbolizes a safe and inclusive space where diverse voices and identities are celebrated through music, challenging traditional hierarchies and promoting healing and representation.

VI. Essay Questions

Consider the following questions for further analysis and discussion.

1. Analyze the role of musical genre in conveying the themes of “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025).” How does the blend of Riot Grrrl, pop-punk, and alt-rock contribute to the album’s overall message?
2. Discuss how the lyrics in “(AI Gen) Ζωή: “The Sun’s First Kiss” (2025)” address issues of mental health and vulnerability. How do specific songs explore these themes, and what impact might they have on listeners?
3. Examine the significance of TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana in promoting inclusivity and representation in the arts. How does Lirien’s story exemplify the organization’s mission, and what broader implications does it have for the music industry?
4. Compare and contrast the themes of control and surrender in “Tangled in the Current” and “Tangled in the Current (Reprise).” How does the progression between these two songs reflect the album’s overall message of transformation and acceptance?
5. Explore the connection between TATANKA’s mission and the quotes from Sitting Bull included on the website. How do these references to Indigenous wisdom relate to TATANKA’s goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural preservation?

VII. Glossary of Key Terms

• Riot Grrrl: A subcultural movement combining feminist consciousness, punk rock music, and DIY ethics.
• Alt-Rock (Alternative Rock): A genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s, characterized by its departure from traditional rock structures and themes.
• Pop-Punk: A subgenre of punk rock that incorporates elements of pop music, resulting in catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.
• Theme: A central idea or message in a work of art.
• TATANKA: An organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the arts.
• Orchestra Americana: TATANKA’s Orchestra, it strives to create an ensemble where diverse voices are not only welcomed but celebrated
• Requiem of Solace: In this instance, it symbolizes finding peace and belonging in music, particularly within an inclusive and diverse artistic community like TATANKA’s Orchestra Americana
• Indigenous Wisdom: Knowledge and practices passed down through generations within Indigenous cultures, often focused on sustainability and harmonious living with nature.
• Representation: The portrayal of diverse individuals and communities in art and media.
• Inclusion: The practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
• Diversity: The presence of a variety of different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities within a group or community.
• Matriarch: TATANKA seeks to create Matriarchies Rising: A Quiet Rebellion for Humanity’s Survival.
• LGBTQIA+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual.