Still Hurting

"Still Hurting" from Jason Robert Brown's musical "The Last 5 Years" is a poignant piece that describes the pain after a relationship has shattered. Sung from Catherine's (Cathy) perspective, it explores her struggle, confusion, and loneliness following her breakup with Jamie. This song sets the stage for the entire musical, which delves into the intricacies of relationships with a unique narrative structure, telling Jamie's story chronologically and Cathy's in reverse.

The lyrics of "Still Hurting" concisely encapsulate Cathy's feelings of abandonment and betrayal. The repetition of Jamie's name underscores her fixation on him and the emptiness left by his departure. The line "Jamie is over, and Jamie is gone" signals the finality of their separation, while "And I'm still hurting" articulates Cathy's ongoing pain.

The song also addresses themes of blame and self-doubt. Cathy contemplates Jamie's insistence that the problems in their relationship were her fault, which isolates her in her grief and complicates her healing process. "What about lies, Jamie? What about things / That you swore to be true?" expresses her sense of betrayal and her struggle with the realization that their relationship was founded on falsehoods and broken promises.

"Jamie's got secrets he doesn't confide" suggests deeper personal issues and barriers that contributed to their estrangement. Jamie's reluctance to be completely honest with Cathy was a significant factor in the deterioration of their relationship.

The imagery of running away – "Go and hide and run away" – metaphorically represents Jamie's approach to their problems, opting to leave rather than address the issues that arose. Cathy's longing to return to a time before the pain, even if it means embracing the lies that once made her happy, is a poignant expression of her heartache.

"Maybe there's somewhere a lesson to learn / But that wouldn't change the fact / That wouldn't speed the time / Once the foundation's cracked," reflects Cathy's search for meaning in her suffering. However, it also conveys her realization that understanding won't alleviate her pain or repair what has been irreparably damaged.

"Still Hurting" is an exquisite exploration of the emotional devastation that accompanies lost love. Through its tender melody and raw lyrics, it captures the universal experience of grief and the difficult path toward healing, making it a powerful and resonant piece in musical theatre.