B-Side Guys

Rachel Ana Dobken’s latest single, “Bed You Made,” is a searing, emotionally raw exploration of the painful process of coming to terms with life’s most difficult challenges. Collaborating with Blind Melon guitarist Rogers Stevens, Dobken has crafted a song that’s as musically explosive as it is lyrically cathartic, a testament to the transformative power of facing one’s demons head-on.

At its core, “Bed You Made” is a song about acceptance – not the passive, resigned kind, but the active, courageous kind that requires staring unflinchingly into the abyss of one’s own pain and uncertainty. Dobken’s lyrics are unflinching in their honesty, painting a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil that comes with grappling with the end of relationships and the death of a loved one. “When you simply cannot live with your actions and the consequences / It’s time to make your bed and lie in it,” she sings, her voice equal parts anguish and determination.

Musically, “Bed You Made” is a masterclass in dynamic tension and release, with Dobken’s powerful vocals and driving instrumentation building to a cathartic crescendo. The interplay between Dobken and Stevens’ guitars is particularly mesmerizing, with Stevens’ unconventional lines and Dobken’s searing leads weaving together in a kind of fevered dialogue. The result is a sound that’s both urgently of-the-moment and timeless, recalling the raw emotional intensity of artists like Jeff Buckley and Angel Olsen.

But perhaps what’s most striking about “Bed You Made” is the way it manages to find glimmers of hope and resilience amidst the darkness. Even as Dobken grapples with the weight of her own pain and loss, there’s a sense of fierce, unyielding strength that runs through the song like a current. “The fear holding us back will put you in a box and confine you / Make you think you’re something that you’re not supposed to,” she sings, her voice rising with a kind of defiant conviction. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to choose how we respond – to lean into the pain, to “burn it to the ground,” and to emerge stronger and more fully alive on the other side.

Ultimately, “Bed You Made” is a song that demands to be felt as much as heard – a visceral, cathartic expression of the messy, complicated work of being human. With its unflinching honesty, raw emotional power, and explosive musicality, it’s a testament to Rachel Ana Dobken’s singular vision and artistic courage. And in a world that often feels increasingly fractured and uncertain, it’s a vital reminder of the importance of facing our truths head-on – of making our bed and lying in it, no matter how uncomfortable or painful that may be. Because in the end, it’s only by embracing the fullness of our experiences, both the light and the dark, that we can truly feel alive.