‘Coward on the Floor’ by Stefan Olovsson review

Stefan once again brings his talents and his latest song ‘Coward on the Floor’ released 30th May 2025, is no exception!

An interesting title, Stefan tells me that:

“This song is very much about mental health for sure, and a lot more Country than my last output. We even got Banjo on it!”

“Quit swimming around in turmoil 

Don't overflow that fish bowl 

Turn the lights out when you go 

And step out through that door 

And leave me feeling sore

Like a used Dallas whore

Begging you for more.”

The song starts from a low point, but trying to encourage us to pull ourselves together, to focus on ourselves and what we can control. It hints at the spiraling many encounter in a dark times, or even crisis. “Turn the lights out when you go and step out through that door” is a beautiful lyric because it’s a reminder for us to shut off from the external world and to see the bigger picture; to look within ourselves, the sometimes metaphorical darkened room.

“Forgot what he said

Forgot what she said 

Nothin' sticks anymore 

I’m just a carpet on your floor

A bargain from the store

That you wish you never bought

Another lesson taught.”

Depicting another symptom of unhealthy mental wellbeing, this lyric shows that memory can be affected, usually because we can become overwhelmed by various external factors, not least others opinions and comments. Reference to being a “carpet on the floor” is perhaps describing how we’re feeling, and “a bargain from the store that you wish you never bought” is perhaps also synonymous with the value many place on themselves.

“Life's a game you play

There's nothing here to gain

It all ends in regret 

Like they wish we never met

Like a bummed cigarette

On a sponge soaking wet

Dripping full of sweat.”

Using the metaphor of life being a game is an interesting one. Whilst it may be true with all of the laws and rules laid down and imposed by society these can help shape and guide our inner conscious and character. Sure we may all experience regrets, however it never bodes well to dwell on the past, the only way forward is by looking to the future whilst also acknowledging your present.

“Another pill to swallow

Another christ to follow

I'd rather walk towards the light

Is that really such a crime

I'm running out of time

No more places left to hide 

All my demons stuck inside.”

Perhaps metaphorical for a lesson learnt, yet equally referring to medication and lifestyle choices to aid one’s mental wellbeing, this lyric is very symbolic of how many live through crisis moments and start their recovery. The lyric even contemplates suicide, “I’d rather walk towards the light” adding “I’m running out of time” suggesting there’s control over how long we’re here in this world. In reality, whilst this is a decision we all have within us, many choose to see the other side of the coin and lean into the joy and positivity of life. Whilst it’s not always easy to see at first, the more you seek, the more you find. It doesn’t need to be significant either, simply waking up with your pet, being able to get out into nature; hearing the morning chorus can give hope. We’ve made it another day and we hear new life chirping away, becoming the new song in our hearts.

“Although every other night

They come looking for a fight

Asking me to stand upright

But by then I’m out of sight

On a crawl towards the door

On a stretcher for the morgue 

I'm just a coward on the floor

A coward on the floor.”

This lyric is very interesting as it documents the frequency these feelings are experienced, whilst it’s also personifying our thoughts, our demons, suggesting that they’re seeking us out. Conversely, this could be the it depicting the inner turmoil encountered. Crawling towards the door is powerful imagery as it implies being ready to check out of this world, a sentiment reinforced by the following lyrics referencing being on a stretcher for the morgue.”

This verse is repeated after a harmonica solo, (an instrument highly underrated) perhaps intentionally to replicate the conflicting battles experienced within our conscious, and how when we try to take in new information it doesn’t always land first time.

Stefan then brings the song full circle (much like life) by concluding with and returning to the opening verse.

“Coward on the Floor” was released 30th May 2025 and is available to download and stream on all of your usual music platforms. You can check out his social media for more of his music and upcoming gigs and performances.