Stitches (Paper Cut) (Unreleased)

Melanie Martinez's unreleased song 'Stitches (Paper Cut)' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of a troubled relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a partner who is emotionally manipulative and dismissive, causing the narrator significant pain. The repeated calls and put-downs, as well as the partner's tendency to blame the narrator for their own issues, create a toxic dynamic. The phrase 'It's all in your head' is particularly telling, as it suggests gaslighting—a form of psychological manipulation where the victim is made to doubt their own reality.

The chorus, 'And you say it's just a paper cut, I'm bleeding out, your stitches aren't enough,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional wounds inflicted by the partner. A 'paper cut' is often seen as a minor injury, but in this context, it symbolizes the seemingly small yet deeply painful actions that accumulate over time. The 'stitches' represent the partner's half-hearted attempts to mend the relationship, which are ultimately insufficient to heal the deep emotional scars.

Martinez also touches on themes of gender roles and societal expectations. The narrator is labeled as 'argumentative' and 'high maintenance,' terms often used to dismiss women's valid concerns and emotions. This adds another layer to the song, highlighting the struggle for women to be heard and respected in relationships. The line 'If I call the shots, I'm self-centered; if I fall too short, I'm such a sinner' encapsulates the double standards that women often face. Through her poignant lyrics and haunting melody, Martinez captures the essence of emotional pain and the difficulty of navigating a relationship fraught with imbalance and misunderstanding.