Appetite Of a People-Pleaser (feat. Vflower)
Ghost and Pals
The Insatiable Hunger of a People-Pleaser
Ghost and Pals' song "Appetite Of a People-Pleaser (feat. Vflower)" delves into the psyche of someone who is constantly seeking validation from others, to the point of losing their own identity. The lyrics use food and consumption as metaphors to describe the protagonist's relentless desire to please everyone around them. This metaphorical hunger represents the emotional and psychological toll of trying to meet everyone's expectations, even when it becomes unhealthy and overwhelming.
The song opens with the protagonist expressing a need for a "whole personality" and an "inordinately sweet" identity, indicating a desire to be liked and accepted by others. The repeated references to flavors and indulgences that one would abhor suggest that the protagonist is willing to take on any trait or behavior, no matter how distasteful, to gain approval. This is further emphasized by the lines "Give me your dire expectations, and I’ll consume perfection" and "You are what you eat, after all," highlighting the extent to which they internalize others' demands.
As the song progresses, the protagonist's struggle becomes more apparent. They describe themselves as a "full-course identity" and a "favorable delicacy," hoping to be worth something to others. However, this constant need to please leads to feelings of emptiness and confusion about their true self. The lines "I dunno who I’m supposed to be anymore" and "I’m starving" poignantly capture the internal conflict and the realization that their efforts to satisfy others have left them feeling hollow and unfulfilled.
The song's climax reveals the protagonist's desperation as they acknowledge the overwhelming nausea and the contradictory nature of their desires. Despite their efforts to be the "perfect identity," they are left questioning their worth and feeling more lost than ever. The final lines, "Why aren’t you happy? Nonetheless, I know my insides are empty," underscore the futility of their quest for validation and the deep-seated need for self-acceptance.