Final Girl

CHVRCHES' song "Final Girl" delves into the concept of the 'final girl' trope often seen in horror films. This trope refers to the last woman standing, the one who survives the terror and emerges, albeit scarred, from the chaos. The lyrics explore themes of survival, self-doubt, and the weight of expectations. The opening lines, "Swallowing the seeds of sins we sewed into the ground / Keeping secrets until everything became a bit too loud," suggest a buildup of past mistakes and hidden truths that eventually become overwhelming. The protagonist contemplates ways to cope, whether by drowning out the noise or by seeking solace in creative expression.

The chorus reflects a sense of burden and the contemplation of life choices, such as quitting or getting married, as a means of escape. The lines, "And it feels like the weight is too much to carry / I should quit, maybe go get married / Only time will tell," highlight the uncertainty and pressure the protagonist feels. There's also a poignant reflection on self-worth and identity, as seen in the lines, "And I wonder if I should've changed my accent / Tried to make myself more attractive / Only time will tell." This suggests a struggle with societal expectations and the desire to fit in or be accepted.

The recurring imagery of the 'final girl' in the song's title and chorus serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and survival. In horror films, the final girl is often the one who endures the most, facing unimaginable horrors but ultimately surviving. The lyrics, "In the final cut / In the final scene / There's a final girl / And you know that she should be screaming," evoke a sense of inevitability and the harsh reality of survival. The protagonist questions if she embodies this final girl, wondering if she has the strength to endure and emerge from her own personal horrors. The song captures the essence of battling inner demons and societal pressures, ultimately questioning what it means to survive and at what cost.