My Fair Lady

Of Montreal's song 'My Fair Lady' delves into the complex and painful emotions surrounding a relationship strained by mental health issues and external pressures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a partner who is self-harming and sending photographs of her injuries, a cry for help that underscores the depth of her emotional turmoil. This act of self-destruction is not just a personal struggle but also a shared burden, affecting the narrator deeply. The repeated line 'She was a friend to me' highlights the bond and the sense of loss felt by the narrator as he watches his partner's decline.

The song also explores the theme of love being dismantled to please others. The phrase 'dismantling our love at the request of other people' suggests that societal or familial pressures are contributing to the breakdown of the relationship. This external interference adds another layer of complexity, making it not just a personal struggle but a communal one. The narrator's sense of helplessness is palpable as he admits to giving the love meant for his partner to someone else because of her damaged state. This act is not out of a lack of love but rather a painful necessity, driven by the partner's inability to receive and reciprocate love due to her mental state.

The repeated plea for change, 'Can't you change?', is a desperate call for the partner to seek help and improve her mental health, not just for the sake of the relationship but for her own well-being. The narrator's anguish is evident as he grapples with the trauma caused by his partner's condition. The song is a poignant exploration of the impact of mental health on relationships, the influence of external pressures, and the heart-wrenching decisions that sometimes have to be made in the face of insurmountable challenges.