German-English singer-songwriter Emily Koko delivers a poignant, relatable ballad with “Tired”, a raw reflection on exhaustion and the relentless pace of modern life. Born from the chaos of post-pandemic burnout and global unrest, the track—produced by Kevin Shoemaker—captures the universal struggle of pushing forward when you’re running on empty.
From the first minimalist piano chords, Koko’s soulful, emotive vocals (inspired by Emeli Sandé and Olivia Dean) take center stage, conveying the weight of fatigue with heartbreaking clarity.
The accompanying music video amplifies the message, depicting the monotony of daily grind—endless notifications, forced smiles, and the quiet desperation of burnout—before culminating in a cathartic surrender to rest. It’s a visual metaphor for the song’s core truth: it’s okay to pause.
Koko’s signature blend of introspective lyricism and modern pop sensibility shines here, building on her previous releases (Breaking Point, Reminder, Strangers) while pushing her sound into even more vulnerable territory. “Tired” isn’t just a song—it’s a lifeline for anyone feeling stretched too thin.
A timely, tender reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. Emily Koko doesn’t just sing about exhaustion—she makes you feel seen.
