Humpty

Mitski's song 'Humpty' delves into themes of fragility, loss, and the struggle to cope with emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person seeking solace in the bathtub, a place described as 'cool and clean,' symbolizing a desire for stability and peace amidst chaos. The bathtub, with its smooth and steady nature, becomes a metaphor for a sanctuary where the protagonist can escape the overwhelming pressures of life.

The recurring imagery of broken belongings and eggshells scattered on the ground highlights the fragility of the protagonist's world. The act of breaking and the subsequent emptiness of the room suggest a sense of loss and destruction, both physical and emotional. The eggshells, too frail to be touched without crumbling, symbolize the delicate nature of the protagonist's mental state and the difficulty of trying to piece things back together.

The reference to Humpty Dumpty, a character from a well-known nursery rhyme who falls and cannot be put back together, underscores the theme of irreparable damage. Despite the protagonist's efforts to mend what is broken, the task proves to be overwhelming. The repeated apologies for taking 'more, more, more' reflect a sense of guilt and the insatiable need for comfort and reassurance, which only adds to the emotional burden.

Mitski's poignant lyrics and haunting melody create a powerful narrative about the struggle to find stability in a world that feels perpetually broken. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of their own fragility and the challenge of navigating through life's inevitable hardships.