Crack Baby

Mitski's 'Crack Baby' is a hauntingly evocative song that delves into the themes of addiction, emptiness, and the relentless pursuit of something to fill the void within. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of desolation, with the opening lines depicting two individuals wandering empty streets, engaging in substance abuse as a means to escape reality. The reference to 'sniffing glue' is a stark image of desperation and the lengths one might go to in order to numb the pain or emptiness they feel.

The song's chorus, 'Crack baby you don't know what you want, but you know that you had it once,' suggests a deep sense of loss and the struggle to reclaim a sense of wholeness or contentment that was once present. The term 'crack baby' is a loaded one, often used to describe children born to mothers who used crack cocaine during pregnancy, and it carries connotations of damage and a difficult start in life. However, Mitski may be using it metaphorically to describe someone who is deeply affected by their own addictions or voids. The repeated imagery of 'wild horses running through your hollow bones' evokes a sense of untamed desires and a profound inner emptiness that cannot be easily quelled.

Mitski is known for her ability to convey complex emotions through her music, and 'Crack Baby' is no exception. The song's melancholic melody and Mitski's expressive vocals underscore the sense of yearning and the cyclical nature of seeking something that remains elusive. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt a void within themselves, the pain of addiction, or the longing for something lost that cannot be easily retrieved or identified.