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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

Music Review: A Haunting Sociological Masterpiece in the 
Song “Left Behind” by The Plot in You  

Sammy Garcia III 
Department of Sociology 

California State University, Los Angeles 
 

Music has always been a powerful medium for artists to 
explore and express sociological themes. The Plot in You’s single 
“Left Behind” is a testament to this, as it explores profound 
sociological aspects like interpersonal relationships, 
abandonment, and emotional resilience. The Plot in You is a 
metalcore band formed in Hancock County, Ohio, in 2010. They 
have consistently pushed the boundaries of post-hardcore and 
metalcore genres; their 2023 single release, “Left Behind,” is no 
exception. With its emotionally charged lyrics, relentless 
instrumentals, and haunting atmosphere, the song tackles moving 
on from a toxic relationship, abandonment, loss, and betrayal and 
having the strength to leave it all behind and move forward. In this 
song review, we embark on a sociological exploration of how 
“Left Behind” resonates with the complex dynamics of marriage 
and human relationships. From the impact of time to the nuances 
of power dynamics, this song encapsulates the multifaceted nature 
of human experience within the context of intimate connections. 
As we embark on this exploration, we navigate the haunting 
melodies and introspective lyrics, shedding light on emotional 
labor, the looking-glass self, and the temporal dimension 
intricately woven into the fabric of this musical masterpiece.  

Embedded within the emotional tapestry of “Left Behind” 
are the concepts of emotional labor and the looking-glass self. The 
singer’s introspective journey reflects the emotional labor 
involved in maintaining a relationship—navigating desires, 
sacrifices, and the weight of societal expectations. The concept of 
emotional labor (BetterUp 2021) refers to when a person is 
responsible for managing their own feelings and the feelings of 
others. In the song, the singer’s struggle to make the other person 
care can be identified as a form of emotional labor. Although they 
are investing emotional effort into the relationship, it appears to 
be one-sided. In other words, he is giving his all in this, but it isn’t 
reciprocated. In contemporary society, many individuals find 



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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

themselves performing emotional labor, often in the pursuit of 
maintaining relationships that may not be mutually beneficial. 
This unequal distribution of emotional labor can lead to feelings 
of frustration and exhaustion, mirroring the sentiments expressed 
in the song. According to ThePRP website (2023), guitarist and 
vocalist Landon Tewers commented on the release of their single 
and discussed the motivation for it, saying, “‘Left Behind” was 
inspired by old nostalgic bands and artists I grew up listening to. 
I wanted to make something as a tribute to that sound and 
hopefully elevate it. It’s a song about gaining back confidence and 
hope after cutting off a person that was draining and moving 
forward with a fresh perspective.” Both musically and lyrically, 
you can detect those inspirations; similar to the bands he grew up 
listening to, their songs were so raw, visceral, and emotionally 
charged that they resonated with teenagers. Tewers is also doing 
the same thing but with a metalcore twist.  

The looking-glass self, a sociological theory by Charles 
Horton Cooley, is manifested as the singer gazes upon the self 
through the perceived judgments of the other. Lines such as 
“Craving me was useless, all excuses drained” capture the 
emotional labor of yearning within a relationship. The drained 
excuses signify not just personal exhaustion but also the societal 
pressures to justify one’s desires, echoing the looking-glass self, 
where individuals shape their self-concept based on imagined 
judgments from society. The haunting opening lines thrust the 
listener into the temporal dimension: “Time has hit you different, 
but I don’t think you’ve changed.” The interplay of time and 
personal evolution takes center stage, introducing a sociological 
perspective transcending individual experiences. In sociological 
terms, the temporal dimension refers to the dynamic nature of 
relationships over time.  

In the context of “Left Behind,” the temporal dimension 
becomes a canvas on which the singer paints the evolving 
landscape of a relationship. The notion that time hits each person 
differently becomes a collective reflection on the temporal ebb 
and flow that shapes the sociological landscape of marriage. The 
singer’s observation that “I don’t think you’ve changed” 
introduces a sociological lens through which we view personal 
growth within the confines of matrimony. This observation 



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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

prompts contemplation on societal expectations surrounding 
change in relationships. As the lyrics progress, the exploration of 
sacrifice unveils a sociological theme deeply embedded in the 
institution of marriage. “Craving me was useless” speaks to 
societal expectations of fulfillment within relationships. The 
concept of drained excuses suggests emotional exhaustion, 
pointing to the societal pressure to justify one’s desires within the 
context of marriage.  

“All the sacrifice had robbed me of my time” introduces 
a poignant sociological exploration of societal pressures to make 
sacrifices within marriage. While sacrifice is often praised, the 
line suggests that certain sacrifices celebrated by society may 
erode the essence of self over time. This resonates with broader 
sociological discussions on the expectations and consequences of 
sacrifices within the context of marriage. The narrative takes a 
sociological turn, addressing power dynamics within 
relationships: “You’d keep me down. I know better now. Won’t 
bring me down again.” The acknowledgment of being kept down 
suggests societal imbalances within marriages. The singer’s 
declaration of knowing better now becomes a sociological 
proclamation of empowerment, reflecting the collective 
understanding of the sociological evolution of personal strength in 
the framework of marriage. The refusal to be brought down again 
signifies a sociological shift in power dynamics—an 
emancipation from oppressive forces within marriages. The 
singer’s voice becomes a resonant vessel, carrying the collective 
narrative of those who have overcome societal imbalances in the 
context of marital connections.  

The acknowledgment of keeping secrets and knowing 
one’s biggest errors introduces a sociological investigation of 
intimacy- a fundamental component of marriage. “I still keep your 
secrets, know your worst mistakes” portrays the singer as a 
repository of shared vulnerabilities, reflecting the societal norm of 
emotional intimacy within marital relationships. This complexity 
is further emphasized by the notion of playing into weakness, 
offering a sociological commentary on the power dynamics that 
can erode individual strength within the context of marriage. The 
stripping away of strength becomes a poignant observation of the 
societal pressures and vulnerabilities that may compromise one’s 



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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

resilience within marital connections. The singer’s voice becomes 
an auditory canvas, portraying the nuanced interplay of societal 
expectations and personal weaknesses within the context of 
marriage. As the lyrics draw to a close, the temporal theme 
resurfaces, reflecting on emotional transformation within the 
context of marriage: “Time has hit me different, I don’t feel the 
same. Know I feel this distance, but I don’t share the pain.” The 
singer’s voice becomes a sonic vessel for nuanced emotions—
time hitting differently, a sense of emotional detachment, and an 
unshared pain within the broader societal framework of post-
marital dynamics. The intentional repetition of “I left behind” 
serves as a sonic bookend, bringing the narrative full circle. The 
singer’s voice becomes a sonic thread, weaving together the 
temporal, emotional, and sociological elements. The unshared 
pain becomes a sociological exploration of how societal 
expectations and norms shape the aftermath of marital 
relationships.  

“Left Behind” by The Plot in You emerges as a profound 
sociological commentary on marriage and relationships. Through 
its evocative lyrics, the song navigates the temporal, sacrificial, 
and power dynamics inherent in intimate connections. It unveils 
the complexities of societal expectations, vulnerability, and 
emotional transformation within the context of marriage. As the 
song unfolds, it invites listeners to reflect on the shared 
sociological experiences embedded in the intricate dance of 
human relationships. In a society where marriage is often 
idealized, “Left Behind” disrupts the narrative, shedding light on 
the societal pressures and complexities that individuals face 
within the confines of matrimony. The lyrics become a mirror 
reflecting the collective challenges and triumphs within the 
broader sociological framework of intimate connections. As we 
delve into the haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, “Left 
Behind” stands as a testament to the power of music to articulate, 
resonate, and dissect the profound sociological intricacies woven 
into the fabric of human relationships. The Plot in You has a 
discography that often explores complex emotions, relationships, 
and personal struggles.  

 
 



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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

If you enjoyed the themes in “Left Behind” and are looking for 
other songs that delve into similar issues, here are a few 
recommendations from The Plot in You’s repertoire! 
 
From their 2018 album Dispose: 

With themes of self-destruction and the toll of toxic 
relationships, “Disposable Fix” provides a raw and unfiltered 
exploration of personal struggles and emotional turmoil. “Rigged” 
addresses themes of manipulation and deceit in relationships. It 
explores the realization of being deceived and the emotional 
aftermath that follows. “Feel Nothing” explores themes of emotional 
detachment and numbness, offering a deep dive into the complexities 
of feeling nothing in the face of tumultuous relationships. While more 
musically upbeat, “Not Just Breathing” explores themes of liberation 
and self-discovery. It touches on breaking free from the constraints 
of a suffocating relationship and reclaiming one’s identity. 

 
From their 2015 album Happiness in Self Destruction: 

A raw and intense track, “Dear Old Friend” delves into the 
darker aspects of personal relationships, addressing betrayal and the 
emotional toll it takes on individuals. The lyrics of “My Old Ways” 
delve into the struggle of breaking free from destructive habits and 
patterns in relationships. It reflects on personal growth and the 
challenges of leaving behind harmful behaviors. “Better Vibes” 
reflects on the aftermath of a toxic relationship and the pursuit of 
better days. It explores the idea of moving forward and finding solace 
in a more positive mindset. 

 
Stand-alone Single: 

“Crows” touches on the aftermath of a failed relationship 
and the emotional scars that linger. It delves into the haunting aspects 
of memories and the impact of past connections. 
 

REFERENCES 
Cooks-Campbell, Allaya. 2021. “Emotional Labor.” BetterUp Blog. November 9, 2021. 

https://www.betterup.com/blog/emotional-labor  
Nickerson, C. (2022, November 3). Looking-glass self: Theory, definition & examples. 

Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/charles-cooleys-
looking-glass-self.html  

ThePRP. 2023. “The Plot In You Debut Video for ‘Left Behind’, Announce Tour With 
Holding Absence, Thornhill & More.” ThePRP. February 8, 2023. 
https://www.theprp.com/2023/02/08/news/the-plot-in-you-debut-video-for-
left-behind-announce-tour-with-holding-absence-thornhill-more/  

https://www.theprp.com/2023/02/08/news/the-plot-in-you-debut-video-for-left-behind-announce-tour-with-holding-absence-thornhill-more/
https://www.theprp.com/2023/02/08/news/the-plot-in-you-debut-video-for-left-behind-announce-tour-with-holding-absence-thornhill-more/



