Mitski's song "Working For The Knife" delves into profound themes of yearning, disillusionment, and the relentless pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Through its poignant lyrics and evocative imagery, the composition provides a window into the protagonist's inner turmoil as they navigate the complexities of creativity, purpose, and self-acceptance.
The opening lines, "I cry at the start of every movie / I guess 'cause I wish I was making things too," poignantly express the protagonist's deep-seated desire to contribute to the world through their creative endeavors. However, this fervent aspiration is starkly contrasted with the stark reality of their present circumstances: "But I'm working for the knife." This metaphorical depiction conveys a profound sense of laborious sacrifice, hinting at a profession or pursuit that feels draining and devoid of gratification.
As the song unfolds, the protagonist reflects on past aspirations of storytelling, only to encounter a harsh reality where their narratives fail to resonate or garner appreciation: "I used to think I would tell stories / But nobody cared for the stories I had about / No good guys." This disillusionment deepens with the realization that time inexorably slips away, leaving the protagonist feeling abandoned as the world moves forward without them: "I always knew the world moves on / I just didn't know it would go without me."
Throughout the song, the protagonist grapples with a pervasive sense of stagnation and unmet potential: "I start the day high and it ends so low / 'Cause I'm working for the knife." The recurring refrain of "working for the knife" underscores the protagonist's profound sense of entrapment and resignation to their circumstances, where the pursuit of creativity feels like an arduous and thankless endeavor.
Furthermore, themes of aging and the passage of time permeate the song's narrative: "I used to think I'd be done by twenty / Now at twenty-nine, the road ahead appears the same." Despite nearing thirty, the protagonist finds themselves ensnared in a relentless cycle of dissatisfaction and uncertainty, clinging to the hope that the dawn of a new decade may usher in transformative change.
In the song's haunting conclusion, the protagonist confronts the consequences of their choices and the sobering realization that their own actions have led them down a path of self-destruction: "I always thought the choice was mine / And I was right, but I just chose wrong / I start the day lying and end with the truth / That I'm dying for the knife." This poignant reflection encapsulates the protagonist's profound despair and resignation to their fate as they continue to grapple with the relentless demands of life and creativity.
