All Mirrors

Angel Olsen's 'All Mirrors' is a haunting exploration of self-reflection and the passage of time. The song delves into the cyclical nature of life, where past experiences seem to repeat themselves endlessly. Olsen's lyrics, 'I've been watchin' all of my past repeatin',' suggest a sense of being trapped in a loop, unable to escape the patterns of the past. This repetition is not just a personal struggle but a universal one, resonating with anyone who has felt the weight of their history bearing down on them.

The imagery of mirrors in the song serves as a powerful metaphor for self-examination and the elusive nature of beauty and identity. When Olsen sings, 'Standin', facin', all mirrors are erasin',' she captures the fleeting and often deceptive nature of self-perception. Mirrors, which typically reflect our physical appearance, here symbolize deeper introspection. The act of 'erasing' in the mirror suggests a loss of self or a transformation, where the person you see is constantly changing, and perhaps, losing touch with their former self.

The recurring line, 'At least at times it knew me,' adds a poignant layer to the song. It implies moments of clarity and recognition amidst the confusion and change. These fleeting instances of self-awareness are both comforting and melancholic, as they remind the listener of the transient nature of identity and beauty. Angel Olsen's ethereal voice and the song's haunting melody amplify these themes, creating an emotional and introspective experience that lingers long after the music fades.