Strawberry Blond
Mitski
The Ache of Unrequited Love in 'Strawberry Blond'
Mitski's 'Strawberry Blond' is a tender and poignant exploration of unrequited love and longing. The lyrics convey a deep sense of affection and attachment to someone who may not reciprocate those feelings. The repeated line 'I love everybody because I love you' suggests that the protagonist's love for this person is so overwhelming that it spills over into a general love for all people. This could be interpreted as a coping mechanism, trying to diffuse the intensity of their feelings by spreading them out.
The imagery of nature and the outdoors, such as the grass leaving a bed in the shape of the loved one and the fields rolling on, evokes a sense of timelessness and continuity that contrasts with the fleeting nature of the protagonist's interaction with their love interest. The reference to 'strawberry blond' could be a direct description of the person they love, highlighting a specific and endearing feature that the protagonist is drawn to. The act of reaching out of a car window to try to hold the wind is a metaphor for the futility of trying to capture or hold onto something that is inherently elusive or unattainable.
The song ends with the repetition of the name 'Isaiah,' which could be the name of the love interest. This repetition serves to underscore the fixation and obsession the protagonist has with this person, despite the lack of reciprocation. The song's gentle melody and Mitski's emotive delivery enhance the sense of yearning and heartache that permeates the lyrics, making 'Strawberry Blond' a touching portrayal of one-sided love.