Circle

Mitski's song 'Circle' delves into the complex emotions of guilt, love, and the consequences of deceit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator who is grappling with the aftermath of a lie told to a significant other. This lie has festered within, leading to a moment of infidelity with someone familiar to both parties. The morning after, the narrator's walk of shame is observed by businessmen, who are reminded of their own past indiscretions, creating a cycle of guilt and judgment that transcends individual experiences.

The song's chorus reflects on a past relationship where the narrator's heart was metaphorically placed out of reach, symbolizing unfulfilled love and emotional distance. The imagery of the heart being placed in a tree by a former lover, only to be forgotten and left to grow over time, suggests a deep-seated pain and longing that has been buried but not forgotten. This metaphor extends to the idea that the narrator's lover is now 'buried underground,' indicating a loss that is both literal and figurative.

Mitski's poignant lyrics and haunting melody capture the essence of human vulnerability and the cyclical nature of our emotional lives. The song explores themes of regret, the passage of time, and the ways in which our past actions continue to shape our present. Through 'Circle,' Mitski invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and the lies we tell ourselves and others in the pursuit of happiness.