Troye Sivan and Jónsi (of Sigur Rós), brilliantly capture the sentiment and theme of the film, ‘Boy Erased,’ on the lead soundtrack single, “Revelation.”

“It’s a rocky road / To say ‘maybe I won’t go’ / Hey dear, you’re a wrecking ball / And you’re here crushing all I’m told.” Troye Sivan has had a busy year throughout 2018.  For one, he released his sophomore album, Bloom, one of the better projects of the year regardless of genre.  Additionally, he collaborated with others including a superb single with Charli XCX, “1999.”  On “Revelation,” the opener and promo single from the Boy Erased (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), he collaborates with Jónsi of Sigur Rós.

“Revelation” is clearly a scream for liberation.  Troye Sivan mentions ‘liberation’ on both verses of the song.  The assumption, considering the premise of the movie, and Sivan’s own solo work, is that he’s referring to sexuality not being constrained to heterosexuality.  Additionally, given the religious themes of the book and film, there are plenty of lyrics mentioning spiritual matters.  Some examples include “Won’t you liberate me now/ From a holy bound” and, “There’s no hell in what I’ve found / No kingdom shout.” The brightest example of a spiritual/secular ‘duality’ occurs on the chorus:

“Ever I roam

Ever I roam

Further from home

Your hand I know, now.”

Final Thoughts 

Does Troye Sivan make a bad song? That’s nearly rhetorical honestly.  The South African-Australian singer/songwriter is perfectly suited for this deliberately-paced, reflective ballad.  As the lead single from Boy Erased, it perfectly captures the sentiment of the film.  Furthermore, it’s relatable to anyone, regardless of sexuality, who has been told that they shouldn’t be with the person they truly wanted to be with.  Well-sung, well-produced, and well-written, “Revelation” is absolutely gorgeous.

Danny Bensi & Saunder Jurriaans • Boy Erased (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Back Lot Music • Release: 10.26.18

Photo Credit: Back Lot Music