Meaning of Reminders by Mariah the Scientist

The Mariah the Scientist song titled 'Reminders' explores a haunting and dark theme of lingering memories and the struggle to let go of a toxic relationship. The song delves deep into the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist as they are constantly reminded of the pain and trauma caused by their past love. Each lyric in the song adds depth to the overall theme and helps develop various imaginative themes that revolve around the same central idea.The chorus sets the tone for the song by introducing the recurrent reminders that haunt the protagonist. The lyrics, "Every candlelight dinner, date night liquor, late-night visitor, reminds me of a killer, reminds me I should kill him," paint a vivid picture of the lingering fear and danger associated with the memories of this toxic relationship. It showcases the protagonist's internal struggle between wanting to move on and seeking revenge.Continuing with the chorus, the line, "Every jazz band, holding hands, could I have this dance? Reminds me of a bad man," introduces the idea of a tainted sense of innocence. It highlights the conflicting emotions evoked by seemingly innocent and joyful moments, ultimately reminding the protagonist of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.The lyrics, "Every home decor and hardware store, reminds me more of blood on your marble floors," create a chilling image of violence and tragedy that perfectly align with the overall theme. It explores the concept of inescapable associations, where even mundane daily activities like shopping trigger painful memories. It emphasizes the extent to which the trauma is deeply rooted in the protagonist's psyche.Moving into the verse, the line, "Memories of our dead garden, is it a crime that I planned to leave you in our Brooklyn apartment?" introduces a theme of suffocating stagnation and missed opportunities. The dead garden symbolizes the decay of their love and the protagonist's desire to escape the confines of their relationship. It suggests that the protagonist had contemplated leaving long before it actually ended, reflecting the internal struggle faced when trying to break free from toxic situations.Throughout the song, the recurring phrase "Bittersweet defeat, I know you didn't mean it" brings forth a conflicting and complex emotional response. It showcases the struggle to reconcile the good memories with the pain caused by the bad ones. It underscores the internal battle to accept that the relationship was toxic despite moments of happiness, ultimately leading to a bittersweet sense of defeat.In summary, the song 'Reminders' by Mariah the Scientist masterfully explores the theme of lingering memories and the difficulty of moving on from a toxic relationship. It delves into the haunting reminders that plague the protagonist, creating imaginative and unexpected themes such as twisted innocence, inescapable associations, suffocating stagnation, and conflicting emotions. Through its captivating lyrics, the song seamlessly weaves together these themes to portray the intricate and painful journey of letting go.