Swimming in Circles – A Mac Miller tribute
February 5, 2020
It has taken me a long time to get through this album with clear eyes, and even longer to put pen to paper with a sound mind to review it. That said, I feel it’s futile to analyze Circles from any sort of critical perspective, so this post will act more as a reaction than a review; a tribute rather than my normal critique.
As a longtime fan, I followed Mac Miller’s progression from an eccentric teenage stoner to a tortured young adult addict. During his maturation, Mac never shied away from sharing his mental state through his music. With this candor, he eloquently explored the intricacies of the human condition. Circles is a personal eulogy that reminds us of the fragility of life and the finite amount of time that we have.
But everybody keep rushing, why aren’t we taking our time?”
— Mac Miller
Circles is aptly titled in relation to its predecessor, Swimming. Swimming in Circles is the official title of this two-part album. This creates a powerful metaphor, that swimming in circles is better than wading in apathy. If we take that next stroke, that next breath of air, and continue swimming, even in circles, we will be alright; the rest will reveal itself in time.
I’m starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go”
— Mac Miller
Mac was hauntingly self-aware of his internal struggle, and eerily familiar with his demons. Frankly, the main takeaway I have from listening to Circles is frustration. Frustration that Mac Miller, with all his achievements and potential, was taken far too soon. Frustration that he isn’t the only one taken too early by drug addiction. But I’m sure Mac would view my frustration as unproductive, therefore I choose to be grateful. To be grateful that Mac existed and shared himself with the world, and with me.
Until we get old, there’s water in the flowers, let’s grow”
— Mac Miller
Dear Mac,
I know that you grew tired of swimming in the sinister circles of your addiction. But through sharing your pain, you taught me to appreciate my own struggle. You’ve illuminated a path towards healing, and with Circles, you remind me that if I rise “Once a Day”, then I’ll have a fighting chance.
Thank you,
-JMO
K-UTE Radio/University of Utah does not own any images in this piece.
Kimberly Shirley • Feb 10, 2020 at 11:46 am
I, too, understand the idea of “swimming in circles” in my lifetime. I’ve been through many experiences that I’d not wish for anyone, but we’re ALL trying to get through the “Circles of Life,” which some of us call our “Life Paths.” The path goes over mountain tops and into the depths of the deepest and darkest places. I believe that our Creator is there with us wherever we go and I have continued on the path, seeking, searching, begging for answers—the answers have been revealed to me as I cling to that which has been already been given me to be able to RISE and FALL DOWN again. Up and down, sometimes through the time of a roller coaster ride that lasts 3 minutes. I understand now. We rise and fall, rise and fall, over and over again. My encouragement to anyone who has seen, tasted, experienced and recognized this — there is a Higher Power who rides through this journey with us. Hang on tight!!!