Brand New City

Mitski's 'Brand New City' is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and the desire for change amidst feelings of stagnation and decay. The song begins with a sense of deterioration, as the lyrics describe the protagonist's brain 'rotting in places' and their heart 'ready to die.' This imagery suggests a deep-seated malaise and a yearning for transformation, as the physical and emotional states of the protagonist are depicted as being in decline.

The repeated questioning, 'Honey, what'd you take, what'd you take?' can be interpreted as a plea for understanding or an attempt to find the cause of the protagonist's existential crisis. It's as if the protagonist is searching for an external reason for their internal turmoil, perhaps a substance or an experience that has led to this point of despair. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the urgency and confusion in seeking answers.

The turning point in the song comes with the realization that the protagonist's adherence to societal standards of beauty and success is suffocating. The line 'But if I gave up on being pretty, I wouldn't know how to be alive' reflects the pressure to conform and the fear of losing one's identity if those standards are abandoned. The desire to 'move to a brand new city and teach myself how to die' is a metaphor for rebirth and the courage to redefine oneself. It's about letting go of the old self to create space for a new beginning, even if that process feels like a small death. Mitski's lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt the need to escape their current circumstances to find a deeper sense of purpose and authenticity.