In a world where mental health is so often stigmatized, Joshua Golden’s new single, “The Moon Is A Spaceship,” is a raw, honest, and emotional exploration of the intricacies of standing by a friend during the madness of mental illness. This affecting pop ballad addresses the universal experience of seeing someone close to you unfurl and the heartbreak and confusion that families face in such moments.
Golden has a gift for storytelling and creates an intimate space here, mixing surreal and mundane imagery with the dread and powerlessness of a loved one in a mental health crisis. Using observations from his own life, he crafts a beautiful sketch of his life issues, detailing episodes of misery such as the heart-crushing terror of going that his brother is calling for help while he loses control. The surreal metaphor of “The Moon Is A Spaceship” puts a face on these emotions, casting mental illness as not merely a clash of wills but such a jarring, even extraterrestrial experience.
The atmospheric production complements the haunting melodies and the pop-driven sound, adding layers of meaning to the heartfelt lyrics and intensifying the weight of the message. Golden’s delicate singing makes the track intimate, drawing listeners into his little universe of love and fear. But behind the deep sorrow is a potent strain of hope that, despite everything, things could one day get better. The juxtaposition of despair and hope is what makes this song so resonant.
Joshua explained that the song is inspired by his wish to shatter the stigma around mental health. Through sharing his unedited and unfiltered life experiences, he hopes to help overcome mental health stigma and provide solace and relatability to listeners who’ve gone through similar situations. His vulnerability is a balm for anyone who may feel alone in their experience.
Connect with Joshua Golden on Instagram – @golden
