To Win, Will You Give Up?
In a world where “success” is the ultimate goal, “To Win, Will You Give Up?” reminds us of the humanity we sacrifice to succeed at all costs.
“I want to talk about people who would do anything to win — whether for material wealth, social status, fame, or win an argument over ideologies. There are times when we’re so blinded by our goals that we would degrade our morals and lose our humanity to get to the top.”
“For glory, for treasure, the depth of my soul is mine to spare”
“At first, it came from personal experience. For a while, I bought into the “hustle” culture. You’ve got to be more productive! Sleep less; work more! Don’t waste time with friends or family because they won’t help you achieve your goals; only go to networking events. Of course, I became miserable.
As I was writing the lyrics, I realized there were other important issues I want people to think about.”
The lyrics explore five themes about people who are alienated from their humanity: superficiality, hedonism, apathy, dogmatism, and egotism.
“He struck his hand across her cheekbone under the guise of true love”
Through dramatic lyrics and cinematic music composition, Tamlin paints an image of an apathetic person who refused to help an abused woman because it doesn’t serve their goal. Then, another vivid picture of a fanatic who uses religion to justify punishing others.
“In the name of the lord, hands soaked in blood is justified ”
The powerful symbolism extends to the music video directed by Tamlin herself. The story follows an ambitious and ruthless woman on her journey to the top of the world. As she kills everyone who gets in her way, she’s haunted by the voices of conscience that she ignored.
“Where’s my salvation? I’ve done everything right”
“My character eventually gets consumed by greed that she’s lost so much of herself. Even when she gets everything she wanted, she still feels empty.”
The take-home message is: don’t let it get to this point. Even as regular people, there will be times where we compromise our values for success or image of success. It might feel good for a while to be rich and successful or famous on social media. But is it worth it to lose everything else?
Tamlin’s solo debut single, “To Win, Will You Give Up?” comes out on 27 August 2021 on all streaming platforms.
Lyrics
Paint me a pretty picture to live in
Remove all the ugliness
The whole universe is replaceable
I don’t care if anything’s real
Dreams and beliefs
I traded them for instant pleasure
For glory, for treasure
The depth of my soul is mine to spare
To win, will you give up everything?
He struck his hand across her cheekbone
Under the guise of true love
Sealed my eyes shut, it never happened
None of my fucking business
Faith and beliefs
I wield my double-edged sword
In the name of the lord
Hands soaked in blood is justified
To win, will you give up everything?
Where’s my salvation? I’ve done everything right
To win, will you give up everything?
To win, I will give up everything
To win, I’ve given up everything
Extras
Tamlin. - To Win, Will you Give Up? (Acoustic Live with Cello & Double Bass)
Tamlin. - To Win, Will You Give Up? (Official Instrumental/Karaoke)
EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES of To Win, Will You Give Up? Music Video
Awards & Features
Credits
Music
Artist, Composer, & Producer: Tamlin.
Mix & Master Engineer: Max Honsinger
Music Video Crew
Director & Producer: Tamlin.
Director of Photography: Natthaphon Sakulvanaporn (Nat)
Director's Assistant: Taiyo Mako
Lighting Crew: Lighthouse Film Service Co. Ltd.
Production Coordinator: Ampika Merkkhwang (Tak)
SFX Makeup Artists: Pareeyawee Likityingwara (Beam), Sasina Panichpreechakorn (Ponn)
Behind the Scenes Videographer: Ake Sirakhunaporn
Editor & Colorist: Chen Li
Computer Graphics: Ekapon Kunjamnong
Angel Costume Maker: Kanyawi Paensuwan (P'Gai)
Music Video Cast
Power-Hungry CEO: Tamlin.
Anima: Pajareeya Suriwong (Ruby)
Animus: Vich Sanardharn (Ray)
CEO's Stylists: Melissa Marie Davison, Wirachart Sing-on (Tom)
Slapped Woman: Samantha Wai Yin Eaton
Slapping ManChristopher Porter
Man with Sword: Patrick Kelly
Man with Beer Bottle: Callum Boaden
Drunk Man: Genji Motomura
Man with Baseball Bat: Leonid Lednev
Woman with Pan: Ngo Thi Ngoc Khuyen (Kate)
Praying Man: Ross Beeching
Fallen Woman: Ploypailin Pungvongsanuraks
Angry Crowd: Daniel Rodrigo Parra Romero, Ornjai Rochanasmita (Sea), Jitrada Phuawongphat (Saiy), Attakorn Saiyasombat (Ohm), Narattha Vorakunthada (Anne), Tobias Roder, Supakorn Komthong (Ted)
Archangel: Marc Cem Close
Angels: Ali Baykara, Luis Alberto Tenorio Davila
