Pearl Diver

Mitski's song 'Pearl Diver' delves into the themes of ambition, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped in a metaphorical narrative about a diver's journey. The lyrics open with a stark declaration, 'Treasure hunter, you are dead,' setting a somber tone that suggests the end of a pursuit or perhaps the demise of the diver's former self. The fading 'light of the world' could symbolize losing sight of one's goals or the dimming of passion as challenges mount.

The chorus, with its repetitive urging for the pearl diver to 'dive deeper,' serves as both a literal and figurative plea. It suggests a relentless pursuit of beauty and truth, no matter the depths one must reach or the darkness one must endure. This could be seen as a commentary on the human condition: the constant search for meaning and beauty in the depths of our own spirits, despite the dangers or the weight of the 'monsters' we carry on our shoulders.

The song also touches on the idea of acceptance and the bittersweet nature of human endeavors. Mitski hints at the diver's humanity and the inherent flaws within, suggesting that the recognition of one's limitations and the acceptance of the journey's hardships are part of the beauty of life. The line 'And I, I'll live without you, though the struggle will be daily' speaks to moving forward in life, acknowledging the pain of absence but also the strength found in independence and self-reliance.