Head Shrink

Mother Mother's song 'Head Shrink' delves into the complexities of mental health and the struggle to confront and process past traumas. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a therapy session where the protagonist is encouraged to identify and articulate their emotional and physical pain. The recurring mention of pain in the neck and back serves as a metaphor for the heavy burden of unresolved issues and the physical manifestation of psychological distress.

The song's narrative highlights the protagonist's struggle with a 'to-do list' that symbolizes the overwhelming tasks of self-improvement and healing. This list, which haunts and taunts them, represents the societal and self-imposed pressures to 'fix' oneself. The imagery of a car crash that cannot be undone underscores the irreversible nature of past events and the difficulty of moving forward. The therapist's repeated advice to 'start' emphasizes the importance of taking the first step, no matter how daunting it may seem.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reveals deeper layers of their pain, touching on issues related to body image, eating disorders, and familial relationships. The line 'It's in my food I eat to puke' starkly portrays the cycle of disordered eating, while 'It's in my mama, it's in my pop' suggests that familial influences and inherited trauma play a significant role in their current state. The repeated refrain 'maybe it's all in my head shrinks' reflects a sense of doubt and the internal conflict between acknowledging real pain and dismissing it as mere imagination. This duality captures the essence of the struggle many face in validating their mental health experiences.