Fireworks

Mitski's song "Fireworks" is a poignant exploration of the internalization of sadness and the human tendency to continue with life's routines despite emotional pain. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has become so accustomed to their sorrow that it has almost become a part of them, a fossilized entity that no longer elicits the same response as it once did. The mention of a 'slight gray in my eye' suggests a subtle change, a hint of the weariness that comes with carrying such a burden.

The second verse delves deeper into the metaphorical imagery, with the protagonist acknowledging the presence of a knife in their side, yet pulling it out without questioning why. This act symbolizes the acceptance of pain as a normal part of existence, and the lack of surprise or inquiry into its cause reflects a resignation to suffering. The routine of jogging is mentioned as a metaphor for the mechanical way in which life is lived in the face of such pain, emphasizing the numbness that has set in.

The chorus brings a shift in tone, as the sound of fireworks triggers a flood of memories, allowing the protagonist to momentarily reconnect with their emotions. The fireworks serve as a metaphor for the explosive, colorful, and fleeting nature of memories and feelings that are otherwise suppressed. The silence that the protagonist is 'married to' represents the isolation and inability to express their inner turmoil, with the 'gentleman' being a personification of that silence. The song ultimately speaks to the universal experience of coping with emotional pain, the struggle to find a release, and the moments that unexpectedly trigger a reconnection with our buried feelings.