Square

Mitski's song 'Square' delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where the protagonist feels out of place and unfulfilled. The opening lines, 'Your room was square / I once noticed from there,' set the stage for a narrative that explores the rigid and confined nature of the relationship. The square room symbolizes a structured, orderly life that the protagonist feels they cannot fit into, despite their efforts to conform.

The song's protagonist tries to adapt to their partner's lifestyle, even mimicking their eating habits, but finds themselves 'too hungry to sleep.' This hunger is both literal and metaphorical, representing a deeper yearning for emotional fulfillment and acceptance. The line 'I would follow the aching inside / I would find / It's for you won't be mine' captures the essence of unrequited love—an endless pursuit of something that remains just out of reach.

Mitski's lyrics also touch on themes of self-worth and the struggle to earn love. The protagonist reflects, 'I tried my hardest, for I'd never learned / God's very simple and love shouldn't burn,' suggesting a realization that love should be straightforward and not painful. Yet, they remain 'waiting for something to earn,' indicating a belief that they must prove their worth to be loved. The imagery of snowflakes 'screaming' as they 'brace for the ground' adds a layer of melancholy, symbolizing the silent suffering and inevitable fall that comes with unreciprocated feelings.

The song concludes with a bittersweet farewell, 'Well that's my ride / Hope you had a good night / You know, you made me happy / Here shake my hand / You make such a good man / Never once did you know me.' This final stanza underscores the emotional distance and lack of true understanding in the relationship. Despite their efforts, the protagonist remains unseen and unappreciated, encapsulating the heartache of unrequited love and the longing for genuine connection.