When it comes to analyzing the lyrics and themes of Mitski songs, there are often widely accepted interpretations that fans gravitate towards. However, each listener brings their own personal experiences and perspectives to the music, leading to a myriad of unique interpretations that may differ from the norm. Here, we delve into some alternative readings of Mitski’s discography that offer fresh insights into her captivating artistry.
Mitski has described Humpty as a deeply personal song born out of her own experiences and emotions. While she hasn’t explicitly revealed the specific inspiration behind the song, it is evident that it draws upon universal feelings of vulnerability and self-doubt that many people can relate to. Two Slow Dancers stands out as one of Mitski’s most introspective and emotionally charged songs.
The Lush Soundscapes of “Your Best American Girl”
The chorus, with its vivid imagery of fluorescent store lights illuminating pores, portrays a sense of exposure and vulnerability. Mitski pleads for mercy, begging to be spared from the constant search for something more meaningful. It is a plea that many of us can relate to, yearning for a moment of respite from the never-ending pursuit of love and validation.
Maybe that’s a former lover, or a family member, or a friend — it doesn’t matter. In two minutes and 30 seconds, Mitski captures a loneliness we’ve all felt at one time or another. It’s her magic trick — making the personal seem universal and vice-versa — that puts Mitski in the top-tier of modern songwriters.
It showcases her distinct lyrical style and emotionally charged songwriting. The song has been celebrated for its honest portrayal of personal growth and self-acceptance. But while the latter is a guitar-driven gut-punch, this standout track from 2013’s Retired From Sad, New Career in Business sounds almost bubbly and fleeting. Hand claps, plinking piano keys, and flutes attempt to keep up with Mitski’s light, fast-paced vocals, a sticky sweetness colliding with the lyrics’ deep heartache and disappointment. Similar themes can be said of the song “Happy” (I recommend watching the video for this song as well). Although I cannot recognize or relate to the full struggle of “Your Best American Girl,” the composition makes me want to scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs.
Mitski sings of an unshakeable token from a personal battleground, the likes of which color every new encounter with old hues. A lot of the songs on Puberty 2 are about love, that seems to be a theme. I’ve read that the title came out of a conversation with someone in a studio but didn’t have a specific meaning at the beginning of it all. The title “Humpty” symbolizes the fragile nature of human emotions and the vulnerability that is explored throughout the song.
One of Mitski’s most popular songs, “Your Best American Girl,” is often interpreted as an exploration of cultural identity and feeling out of place in American society. While this is undoubtedly a powerful theme within the song, some listeners have also connected with the idea of romantic love and unrequited feelings. By focusing on the emotive vocals and lush soundscapes, these interpretations offer a more intimate perspective on the yearning and longing expressed in the lyrics.
Reimagining “Nobody” as an Anthem of Self-Acceptance
“Nobody” is another standout track by Mitski that has resonated with many listeners for its candid portrayal of loneliness and isolation. While the song is often seen as a melancholic reflection on solitude, some fans have found solace in viewing it as an anthem of self-acceptance and empowerment. By embracing the vulnerability in Mitski’s lyrics, these interpretations highlight the strength and resilience that come from acknowledging one’s own struggles and embracing them as part of the human experience.
And whether she’s on the guitar, the piano, or above a cascade of synths and strings, there’s always a trace of the unexpected. I also love the use of Japanese lyrics in “Liquid Smooth” from Mitski’s background growing up in Japan. “Kuzurete yuku maeni” translates to “Before it collapses,” referring to Mitski’s youthful beauty, another common theme in her music. She sings of how “ripe” and beautiful her body is and the struggle to preserve herself in the limited amount of time she has to express herself and her body.
In conclusion, the beauty of Mitski’s music lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. While there are widely accepted interpretations of her songs, exploring alternative readings can offer new perspectives and enrich our understanding of her artistry. By engaging with the emotions and themes that speak to us individually, we can forge a deeper connection with Mitski’s music and find solace in the shared human experiences she so eloquently captures.
