She Used To Be Mine

"She Used To Be Mine" from the musical *Waitress* is a poignant exploration of self-reflection and the emotional turmoil that comes with losing one's sense of identity. The song is sung by the character Jenna, a waitress and pie-maker who finds herself trapped in an unfulfilling life and an abusive marriage. Through the lyrics, Jenna reflects on how she has changed over time, lamenting the loss of the person she once was.

The song opens with Jenna acknowledging the difficulty of recognizing herself in her current state. The imagery of "shoes and this apron" symbolizes the mundane and repetitive nature of her daily life, which has drained her of her vitality and spirit. This sets the stage for a deeper introspection where Jenna admits that she is no longer the person she used to be, even though she was never the center of attention. She nostalgically recalls the girl she once was—imperfect, kind, and resilient, yet now feels distant and almost unrecognizable.

As the song progresses, Jenna delves into the complexities of her character. She describes herself as a mix of contradictions: messy but kind, lonely but strong. These lines highlight the multifaceted nature of human beings, emphasizing that people are not one-dimensional. Jenna's realization that life has "slipped in through a backdoor" and changed her without her consent is a powerful metaphor for how circumstances can shape us in ways we never anticipated. She expresses a longing to rewrite her story, to reclaim the fire and passion that once defined her.

The chorus, repeating the phrase "She used to be mine," serves as a haunting reminder of the person Jenna has lost. It encapsulates the essence of the song—an emotional journey of self-discovery and the painful acknowledgment of change. Jenna's story is a universal one, resonating with anyone who has ever felt disconnected from their true self and yearned to find their way back.