Yes I'm a Mess

AJR's song 'Yes I'm a Mess' is a candid reflection on personal struggles and the acceptance of one's own imperfections. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is overwhelmed by the pressures of life, symbolized by the 'two hundred texts and two missed calls' and the feeling of being stuck in a job that was meant to be temporary. The repetition of 'I'm in it now' suggests a sense of resignation to the current state of affairs, while also questioning if there's a possibility for a fresh start.

The chorus, with its bold declaration 'Yes, I'm a mess with an S on my chest,' turns the narrative of being a mess into a badge of honor, almost like a superhero emblem. The 'S' could be a nod to Superman's symbol, but here it represents the speaker's acceptance of their chaotic state. The mention of 'stress fillin’ up my head' and the act of 'blowin' up my life' indicates a breaking point, yet there's a twist of self-acceptance and even liking oneself amidst the turmoil. The cheers 'to the front and to the back and cheers to the 2010s' could be a toast to both the good and bad times, acknowledging that the past decade has shaped who they are.

The song's bridge and outro reinforce the theme of self-acceptance. The rhetorical question 'Why should I fix the shit I've done' suggests a defiance against the expectation to always correct one's mistakes, instead proposing the radical act of self-acceptance. AJR is known for their introspective and often existential lyrics, and 'Yes I'm a Mess' is a continuation of this tradition, blending pop sounds with thoughtful commentary on the human condition.