Cop Car

Mitski's 'Cop Car' is a song that delves into the complexities of the human psyche, particularly focusing on the artist's personal experiences and emotional states. The lyrics suggest a sense of anxiety and defensiveness, as indicated by the repeated line 'I get mean when I'm nervous like a bad dog.' This metaphor likens the artist's reaction to stress to that of a defensive animal, highlighting a raw and instinctual response to vulnerability.

The song also touches on themes of nostalgia and the desire for freedom, as seen in the lines 'And I miss riding horses, I miss running fast.' These activities symbolize a yearning for a simpler time or a sense of liberation that the artist once felt. The repetition of 'I was meant for running fast' reinforces the idea that there is an innate part of the artist's identity that craves this freedom. The mention of past relationships with both boys and girls indicates a fluidity in Mitski's love life, and the insistence on not dwelling on the past suggests a focus on the present and future, despite the past's persistent presence.

The chorus 'I will never die' can be interpreted as a defiant proclamation of the artist's enduring spirit or legacy. The final verse, 'I've preemptively blocked all the exits / So I will burn this movie theater,' could symbolize a self-destructive tendency or a commitment to facing one's fears and challenges head-on, even if it means getting burned in the process. The song's title, 'Cop Car,' is not explicitly mentioned in the lyrics, leaving its interpretation open to the listener. It could represent an element of danger, authority, or the idea of being pursued by one's own fears or past.