Please Eat

Nicole Dollanganger's song 'Please Eat' is a poignant and deeply emotional plea to a loved one struggling with an eating disorder. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and desperation as the narrator watches someone they care about slowly deteriorate. The repeated refrain 'Please eat' underscores the urgency and the emotional weight of the situation, highlighting the narrator's deep concern for the well-being of their loved one.

The song uses powerful metaphors to illustrate the severity of the eating disorder. Phrases like 'sitting on a throne of bones' and 'staring at that cold meal' evoke stark imagery of malnutrition and the physical toll it takes. The narrator's love is not for the physical body but for the 'shell' that houses the person they care about. This distinction emphasizes that the narrator values the person's essence and spirit, which are being eroded by the eating disorder.

Dollanganger's lyrics also touch on themes of self-worth and the struggle to believe one deserves nourishment and care. The line 'If only I could make you believe you deserve everything' speaks to the internal battle faced by those with eating disorders, where self-deprivation becomes a form of control or punishment. The song is a raw and intimate portrayal of the pain and frustration experienced by both the sufferer and those who love them, making it a powerful commentary on the impact of eating disorders on relationships and mental health.