Miss Misery (Early Version)

Elliot Smith's 'Miss Misery (Early Version)' is a poignant exploration of heartache, loneliness, and the faint glimmers of hope that can accompany such emotions. The song opens with the narrator admitting to 'faking it through the day' with the help of alcohol, specifically Johnny Walker Red. This sets the tone for a narrative steeped in melancholy and self-medication, a common theme in Smith's work. The 'cold pain behind my eyes' and 'two tickets torn in half' symbolize the emotional and physical remnants of a broken relationship, yet the narrator clings to the hope of a future reunion, as suggested by the recurring line, 'some enchanted night I'll be with you.'

The use of tarot cards and palm lines introduces a mystical element, suggesting that the narrator is seeking answers and solace in the supernatural, even though he acknowledges their falsehood. This juxtaposition of belief and disbelief highlights the internal conflict and desperation for meaning in the face of loss. The mention of 'plans for both of us' and a 'trip out of town' indicates a longing for escape and a fresh start, yet the narrator's inability to 'hold my liquor' underscores his vulnerability and the fragility of his coping mechanisms.

The song's narrative takes a turn with the imagery of a 'TV flashing blue frames on the wall,' depicting a sense of isolation and disconnection from reality. The reference to a forgotten comedy from the seventies and a lead who 'vanished into oblivion' mirrors the narrator's own feelings of insignificance and the ease with which one can disappear from someone's life. The emotional climax arrives with the line, 'I cried a sea when you talked to me, the day you said we were through,' capturing the depth of the narrator's sorrow. Yet, despite the overwhelming sadness, the refrain 'some enchanted night I'll be with you' persists, embodying a fragile but enduring hope for reconciliation.