Monroe

In 'Monroe,' CRAWLERS delve into the complex and often painful journey of self-worth and societal expectations. The song opens with a stark reflection on beauty standards, where the protagonist grapples with the pressure to be 'pretty' and the haunting thought of being 'dead by thirty.' This line poignantly captures the toxic culture that equates a woman's value with her physical appearance, leading to a deep-seated self-loathing that only dissipates when the mirror reflects societal ideals of beauty. The repeated phrase 'they act like they don't want me' underscores a sense of rejection and the desperate need for acceptance, even if it means compromising one's own boundaries.

The chorus introduces a recurring figure, 'the virgin of the night,' who seems to symbolize an unattainable ideal or a person the protagonist idolizes. This figure is seen 'every night,' suggesting an obsession or a constant reminder of what the protagonist feels they lack. The tight clothes and the term 'virgin' evoke a sense of purity and perfection that the protagonist yearns for but feels is out of reach. The chapel imagery adds a layer of reverence and worship, indicating how deeply ingrained these ideals are in the protagonist's psyche.

The song also touches on themes of control and worth, with lines like 'Please love, I want control' and 'Guess all I'm worth is fucking money.' These lyrics highlight the protagonist's struggle to reclaim their sense of self and worth beyond superficial measures. The repeated plea for love and control suggests a longing for genuine connection and autonomy, contrasting sharply with the transactional nature of relationships depicted in the song. The final lines, 'Too pretty to be kind,' encapsulate the harsh reality that beauty often comes with its own set of expectations and judgments, leaving the protagonist trapped in a cycle of seeking validation and facing rejection.