History of Man

Maisie Peters' song 'History of Man' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the enduring struggle of women throughout history. The lyrics weave together personal pain with historical and mythological references, creating a tapestry that reflects the universal experiences of love, loss, and the quest for understanding. Peters uses the fall of Jericho, the desolation of Easter Island, and the biblical story of Samson and Delilah as metaphors for the devastation she feels after a breakup. These allusions to grand historical events serve to amplify the emotional impact of her personal heartache, suggesting that such pain is as old and as vast as history itself.

The chorus of the song highlights the disparity between the emotional investments of the two parties in a relationship. The woman stays awake, pleading and loving more passionately than ever before, while the man remains oblivious and indifferent. This dynamic is a commentary on the often unequal emotional labor in relationships, where one person may feel more deeply and work harder to maintain the connection than the other. The song also touches on the broader theme of women's experiences being minimized or misunderstood by men throughout history.

In the bridge, Peters intensifies the narrative by drawing parallels between her own experience and the way women have been treated historically. She mentions the story of Helen of Troy, suggesting that women are often blamed for the actions of men, such as starting wars. The line 'Women's hearts are lethal weapons' could imply that women's emotions are powerful but often seen as threatening. Peters' use of the phrase 'great obsession' indicates that despite the pain, the emotional connection remains strong, perhaps even to a destructive degree. The song ends with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that this pattern of unrequited love and misunderstanding is a recurring theme in the 'history of man'.