Eric

Mitski's song 'Eric' delves into the complexities of a relationship marked by power dynamics and emotional distance. The lyrics suggest a scenario where the protagonist is engaged in a relationship with someone who enjoys control, a trait that she also identifies with. The opening lines, 'You like control, well I do too', set the stage for a connection where both individuals are vying for dominance, yet there's a willingness to submit, as indicated by 'I'll let you hurt me / How you choose'. This submission is not without its own form of control, as the protagonist allows vulnerability on her own terms.

The song continues to explore the tension between desire and the emotional toll of an unfulfilled relationship. The protagonist expresses a yearning to be loved and to love in return ('I'm tired, I'm tired of not loving you / My heart, my heart wants to hold you'), but she is acutely aware of 'the rules' that seem to govern their interactions, suggesting limitations and perhaps an understanding that this relationship cannot provide the depth of connection she seeks. The imagery of 'Blue light, dark room, the white of your teeth' paints a picture of intimacy, yet it's juxtaposed with the recognition of shared pain ('But your skin, did you notice your skin? / It cries a soft weep like mine').

The song's conclusion, with its repetition of 'I want', underscores the intensity of the protagonist's desires. She is willing to negotiate the terms of her affection ('I'll sell, I'll sell my heart to you'), indicating a transactional element to their relationship. The repeated questioning of her own worth ('What's my, what's my, what's my price') and the plea for just a part of the other person's affection reveal a deep longing for connection, even if it's incomplete. Mitski's 'Eric' is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices one might make in the pursuit of love and the emotional cost of relationships defined by control and detachment.