Birthing Addicts (Unreleased)

Melanie Martinez's unreleased song "Birthing Addicts" delves into the grim realities of modern parenting and the cycle of addiction. The lyrics paint a stark picture of neglect and the consequences it has on children. The opening lines, "Pupils begin to observe / Watching the waste on this earth," suggest a world where children are acutely aware of their surroundings, yet are left to fend for themselves. The mention of mothers not loving their kids as they used to and allowing them to smoke herbs highlights a breakdown in traditional nurturing roles, leading to a generation lost to substance abuse.

The imagery in the song is haunting, with lines like "Nails bitten down to the nub / Palms out of fire as they rub" and "Soup never reaches its boil / Dinner ain't the only thing they spoil." These metaphors illustrate the physical and emotional deterioration that comes with neglect and addiction. The recurring theme of maggots and worms infesting brains and the onset of Alzheimer's serves as a powerful metaphor for the decay of both mind and body due to drug abuse. The song's chorus, which claims love and responsibility for birthing the addict, adds a layer of tragic irony, suggesting a twisted form of care that ultimately leads to destruction.

The final verse, "Thank you mama / For all you've done / Gave me cancer / And thick black lungs," is a bitter acknowledgment of the damage caused by parental neglect and substance abuse. The protagonist's gratitude is laced with sarcasm, highlighting the irreversible harm inflicted upon them. The song ends with a repetition of the idea that mothers don't love their kids like they used to, reinforcing the central theme of a broken familial bond and its devastating consequences. Melanie Martinez's unique blend of dark, whimsical storytelling and haunting melodies makes "Birthing Addicts" a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of addiction and the impact of parental neglect.