Ave Maria

Mac Miller's 'Ave Maria' is a complex tapestry of personal struggles, societal observations, and surreal imagery. The song opens with a stark admission of feeling paralyzed, both physically and metaphorically, as he describes himself as a 'paraplegic.' This sets the tone for a journey through his battles with inner demons and insomnia, painting a vivid picture of a mind in turmoil. The reference to being 'married to Jesus' and 'born dead' suggests a sense of predestined suffering and a search for redemption, while the devil's desire to 'tear me to pieces' underscores the constant threat of being overwhelmed by these dark forces.

The lyrics then shift to a broader societal critique, where Mac Miller uses metaphors like 'dino-aliens' and 'hypochondriacs' to comment on the absurdity and paranoia that pervade modern life. The mention of 'white America' and 'brainwashed with dot com' reflects his disillusionment with contemporary culture and the loss of individuality in a digital age. The imagery of 'walking backwards' and 'shadowboxing with karate masters' further emphasizes a sense of disorientation and struggle against unseen adversaries.

In the chorus, the repetition of 'Eat drink and let the merry go round' serves as a nihilistic mantra, suggesting that in the face of chaos, one might as well indulge in life's fleeting pleasures. The song concludes with a mix of personal and fantastical elements, from 'horses on my pj's' to 'bullets in my cornea,' blending reality with surrealism. The invocation of 'Ave Maria' and 'In exelsis deo' adds a spiritual dimension, juxtaposing sacred imagery with the profane pursuit of 'getting bread' and 'money is God.' This duality captures the essence of Mac Miller's struggle to find meaning and stability in a world that seems perpetually off-kilter.