Mystery

Matt Maltese's song 'Mystery' delves into the perplexing and often inexplicable nature of love and desire. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world filled with strange and surreal elements, such as 'dreaming strange inventions' and 'improbable vegetation.' These images create a sense of wonder and confusion, mirroring the complex emotions that come with love. The 'thirty mile an hour domestic winds' blowing away 'nice domestic things' could symbolize the disruptive power of love, which can upend our lives and routines in unexpected ways.

The chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song: the mystery of still wanting someone despite everything. Maltese sings, 'What a mystery that I could want you still,' highlighting the irrational and often uncontrollable nature of love. The repetition of 'mystery' underscores the singer's bewilderment at his own feelings. The line 'I would pick you ten out of nine times' suggests an overwhelming preference for this person, even when logic might dictate otherwise.

The second verse continues to explore this theme through sensory imagery. The 'cold water' and 'red fish' evoke a sense of discomfort and alienation, yet the 'perfume' worn by people on the street smells good, adding another layer of complexity to the singer's emotions. This juxtaposition of discomfort and attraction further illustrates the contradictory feelings that love can evoke. Maltese's use of everyday scenes and objects to convey deep emotional truths makes 'Mystery' a poignant and relatable exploration of the human heart.