Zzzz (Unreleased)

Melanie Martinez's 'ZZZZ (Unreleased)' delves into the surreal and often unsettling world of dreams and nightmares. The song opens with a conversation between the protagonist and a character named Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This personification of Melatonin suggests a guide through the chaotic landscape of the protagonist's mind, offering a semblance of protection and escape from their troubled reality. The reference to the 'handbook for the recently deceased' is a nod to the cult classic film 'Beetlejuice,' adding a layer of dark humor and a sense of the macabre to the narrative.

The lyrics take a twisted turn as the protagonist is invited to a bizarre dinner serving lollipops, with a sinister warning that mistreatment will result in rotting teeth. This imagery evokes a sense of childlike innocence corrupted by darker undertones, a recurring theme in Martinez's work. The jewelry box filled with teeth symbolizes the collection of past traumas and fears, locked away but never truly forgotten. The repeated 'Zzz' throughout the song mimics the sound of sleep, yet the content of the dreams described is far from restful.

The song further explores themes of societal pressure and mental health, with lines about boys in suits and ties and girls committing suicide. The mention of Luna on the roof and a vengeful teddy bear adds to the surreal, almost nightmarish quality of the song. The flooded house and the protagonist rowing a boat with their beloved suggest a sense of being overwhelmed by life's challenges, yet finding solace in companionship. The repeated plea for reassurance that 'everything will be alright' underscores the deep-seated anxiety and need for comfort that permeates the song.