In Mitski's song "Square," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of being in someone else's space, both physically and emotionally. The repeated phrase "Your room was square" sets the scene as we visualize a specific area that belongs to another person. This space is orderly and precise, with everything having its own designated place. In contrast, the speaker feels unsure about where they fit into this carefully constructed world.
The image of Mitski lying in bed, watching her partner sleep, highlights the feelings of intimacy and closeness that can also come with being in someone else's space. However, the speaker acknowledges that their presence is intrusive, as they wonder, "In the order you kept, what space would I take?" They recognize that this space already has a place for everything and fear that their own presence will disrupt the balance.
The speaker tries to assimilate into this environment by mimicking their partner's habits, such as only drinking tea at night. However, they eventually succumb to hunger and admit, "Too hungry to sleep." This moment of vulnerability underscores the speaker's desire for acceptance and their willingness to conform in order to fit in.
The second verse explores the idea of yearning for something that may not be attainable. The speaker expresses a longing for a deeper connection with their partner, acknowledging that they will never fully belong in this space. They sing, "Maybe it's all of these snowflakes screaming / A choir of mute / As they brace for the ground." This metaphorical image speaks to a collective experience, representing the silence and numbness that can result from feeling like an outsider.
The song then shifts to the speaker acknowledging their own shortcomings, admitting, "What is that quiet of snow in the night? / The dark rings with white noise / As you stand and drown." Here, Mitski uses language that implies a sense of being overwhelmed by emotions, as the speaker describes the noise and chaos that can result from trying to navigate someone else's space.
The song concludes with a message of hope and acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges, "Here, shake my hand / You make such a good man." This moment is significant because it suggests that the speaker recognizes their own limitations and accepts them as they are. They acknowledge that their partner's strength and kindness should be celebrated, rather than criticized for not meeting their expectations.
Overall, "Square" by Mitski explores themes of intimacy, belonging, and acceptance. The song speaks to the complex emotions that can result from being in someone else's space, both physically and emotionally. It highlights the desire for connection and the fear of intruding on another person's world. Ultimately, "Square" encourages listeners to celebrate the strengths of those around them and to embrace their own limitations.
The image of Mitski lying in bed, watching her partner sleep, highlights the feelings of intimacy and closeness that can also come with being in someone else's space. However, the speaker acknowledges that their presence is intrusive, as they wonder, "In the order you kept, what space would I take?" They recognize that this space already has a place for everything and fear that their own presence will disrupt the balance.
The speaker tries to assimilate into this environment by mimicking their partner's habits, such as only drinking tea at night. However, they eventually succumb to hunger and admit, "Too hungry to sleep." This moment of vulnerability underscores the speaker's desire for acceptance and their willingness to conform in order to fit in.
The second verse explores the idea of yearning for something that may not be attainable. The speaker expresses a longing for a deeper connection with their partner, acknowledging that they will never fully belong in this space. They sing, "Maybe it's all of these snowflakes screaming / A choir of mute / As they brace for the ground." This metaphorical image speaks to a collective experience, representing the silence and numbness that can result from feeling like an outsider.
The song then shifts to the speaker acknowledging their own shortcomings, admitting, "What is that quiet of snow in the night? / The dark rings with white noise / As you stand and drown." Here, Mitski uses language that implies a sense of being overwhelmed by emotions, as the speaker describes the noise and chaos that can result from trying to navigate someone else's space.
The song concludes with a message of hope and acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges, "Here, shake my hand / You make such a good man." This moment is significant because it suggests that the speaker recognizes their own limitations and accepts them as they are. They acknowledge that their partner's strength and kindness should be celebrated, rather than criticized for not meeting their expectations.
Overall, "Square" by Mitski explores themes of intimacy, belonging, and acceptance. The song speaks to the complex emotions that can result from being in someone else's space, both physically and emotionally. It highlights the desire for connection and the fear of intruding on another person's world. Ultimately, "Square" encourages listeners to celebrate the strengths of those around them and to embrace their own limitations.
