For Those I Love Releases Emotional Dublin Anthem ‘Of The Sorrows’

An emotional new single from For Those I Love reflects the challenges of life in Dublin with raw honesty and lyrical depth.

A Powerful Return with ‘Of The Sorrows’

For Those I Love, the musical project of David Balfe, has made a poignant comeback with his latest single, ‘Of The Sorrows’. This heartfelt track dives deep into the reality of living in Dublin, capturing the gritty push and pull of a city that’s rapidly changing and often pushing its residents to the edge.

This release marks Balfe’s first new music since his 2021 self-titled debut album, which received widespread critical acclaim. The new single offers a fresh glimpse into his evolving artistry while maintaining the emotional intensity fans have come to expect.

The Story Behind the Song

“When I wrote ‘Of The Sorrows’, it felt like I was bargaining with myself. It was one of the first songs I’d written to myself, for myself, while still trying to embody the feelings and thoughts of my closest peers,” Balfe shared. At its core, the song explores the experience of feeling boxed out by a city and the tough decisions one must make to stay afloat.

The lyrics reveal a cityscape that is both familiar and alienating, where comfort is fleeting and survival demands constant negotiation.

“I don’t know if it’s possible to stay and live a life in Dublin where there is even a modicum of comfort, without actively making the city more difficult to live in over the long run.”
— David Balfe

Musical and Lyrical Gravitas

‘Of The Sorrows’ carries the same thoughtful, impactful wordplay that defined Balfe’s debut. The track’s weighty themes and poetic lyricism combine with a sound that’s both urgent and reflective, creating a compelling listen that resonates on multiple levels.

You can listen to the track on Spotify here:

And watch the official music video on YouTube below:

Why the Long Wait?

Balfe opened up about the gap between releases, explaining the creative process behind coming back to music after a period of silence. “There was a time I did feel like I didn’t have anything to say as I have no interest in populating space for the sake of it,” he confessed. “Then one day it all just started to come out.” This honesty adds a deeper layer to the track, making the return feel all the more genuine.

A Shift in Focus: From Grief to Personal Reflection

While Balfe’s debut album centered on the loss of his childhood best friend and musical collaborator Paul Curran, who tragically passed away in 2018, his new single takes a more personal turn. Revisiting the trauma of his friend’s death was not an option for Balfe when considering a follow-up album. Instead, he focused inward, transforming raw emotions into music that makes sense of his current feelings.

The press release noted that Balfe transformed "scrawls into verses" and crafted instrumentals in his cramped home studio, patiently shaping his new work with care and introspection.

What’s Next?

More music from For Those I Love’s upcoming, as-yet-untitled second album will be released over the next few months, promising continued exploration of Balfe’s unique voice and perspective.

Critical Acclaim of the Debut

Balfe’s first album was widely praised, earning four stars and described as an “immaculate debut” that “turns loss into hope.” The record combined personal tragedy, rave influences, and teenage memories, celebrating themes of love, light, and togetherness. It ranked at number 11 in a notable list of the best albums of 2021, cementing Balfe as a vital voice in contemporary music.

Conclusion

For Those I Love’s ‘Of The Sorrows’ is a stirring reminder of how music can capture the complexities of city life—its struggles, compromises, and moments of grace. What do you think about music that speaks so candidly about personal and urban hardships? Have you experienced a city that felt both like home and a challenge?

• What inspired the song ‘Of The Sorrows’?
  David Balfe wrote it as a reflection on feeling boxed out by Dublin and the difficult choices made to remain in the city.
• How does ‘Of The Sorrows’ compare to For Those I Love’s debut album?
  While it maintains the emotional depth and lyrical sharpness, it’s more personal and less focused on past grief.
• Why did David Balfe take a break before releasing new music?
  He felt he had nothing to say for a while and didn’t want to fill space without purpose.
• What themes does Balfe explore in his music?
  Loss, grief, personal reflection, urban challenges, and the search for comfort and belonging.
• When can fans expect more music from For Those I Love?
  Additional tracks from the upcoming second album will be released in the coming months.

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