Marry Me

St. Vincent's song 'Marry Me' is a complex exploration of commitment, love, and the transient nature of relationships. The repeated plea to 'Marry me, John' suggests a desire for stability and connection, yet the lyrics reveal an underlying tension. The protagonist promises to be 'so good' and 'so sweet,' but there's a catch: John 'won't realize I'm gone.' This paradox hints at a deeper ambivalence about commitment, where the desire for closeness is shadowed by an inevitable departure.

The song delves into the motivations behind human actions, contrasting the protagonist's fickle nature with John's steadfastness. The line 'Many people wanna make money, make love, make friends, make peace with death' captures the myriad pursuits that drive people, but it also underscores a universal desire to 'win the game.' In this context, John is portrayed as a 'rock with a heart like a socket,' a stable force that the protagonist can rely on. However, this stability is juxtaposed with the protagonist's admission of being 'as fickle as a paper doll being kicked by the wind,' suggesting a restless spirit that cannot be easily anchored.

The cultural reference to 'Mary and Joseph' adds another layer of complexity. By invoking this biblical couple, the protagonist hints at a desire for a pure, almost sacred union, yet immediately undercuts it with the caveat 'without the kid.' This line cleverly subverts traditional notions of marriage and family, emphasizing a relationship free from conventional expectations. The song's closing lines reiterate the promise of being 'so good' to John, but the repeated assurance that he 'won't realize I'm gone' leaves a lingering sense of impermanence and unresolved tension.