Meaning of Come Into the Water by Mitski

Mitski's song, 'Come Into the Water', delves deep into the complexities of desire, longing, and the anticipation of intimacy. The song's overall theme revolves around the yearning for connection and the hesitancy to fully engage in it. Mitski brings forth a poetic and introspective exploration of these emotions through her evocative lyrics. Let's unravel some of the standout and significant lyrics in the song, and the imaginative themes they help develop.In the opening verse, Mitski croons, "Come into the water, do you wanna be my baby? Are you waiting to touch me?" This lyric encapsulates the idea of inviting someone into a vulnerable and intimate space. The water metaphor symbolizes a place of emotional depth and rawness. Here, the theme of trust and surrender emerges, as the singer yearns for the other person to make the first move, to demonstrate their desire to connect.A subsequent lyric that captures attention is, "Maybe I'm the same as all those men, writing songs of all they're dreaming." Here Mitski acknowledges the commonality of longing and unfulfilled desires that are often expressed in music. This lyric subtly touches upon the theme of artistic expression and emotional vulnerability. It suggests that artists, regardless of gender, often use their creativity as a means to express their deepest yearnings and fantasies.The following line, "But would you tell me if you want me? 'Cause I can't move until you show me," delves into the theme of uncertainty and the fear of rejection or misinterpretation. It speaks to the vulnerability that stems from not knowing the other person's true intentions or desires. Mitski implies that she requires explicit confirmation before fully embracing her own feelings or taking action. This theme highlights the importance of open communication and the need for reassurance in relationships.In the final verse, Mitski sings, "I didn't know I had a dream, I didn't know until I saw you. So would you tell me if you want me? 'Cause I can't move until you show me." This lyric explores the theme of self-discovery through the lens of desire. Mitski suggests that encountering someone who ignites a deep longing can awaken dormant dreams or aspirations within oneself. It evokes the idea that desire can act as a catalyst for personal growth and realization.One imaginative theme that can be extrapolated from the song is the concept of the transformative power of water. Water often symbolizes emotional fluidity and catharsis. In 'Come Into the Water', water acts as a metaphorical space for vulnerability, release, and cleansing. It represents the emotional depths one must dive into to fully connect with another person. This theme adds an ethereal and magical dimension to the song, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the transformative journey of love and desire.Another imaginative theme that emerges is the exploration of the intersection between desire and creative expression. Mitski intertwines her desire for emotional connection with her artistic expression, suggesting that they are intertwined and feed into one another. This theme reflects the complexity of emotions and the power of channeling them through artistic endeavors. It portrays desire as a wellspring of inspiration and a driving force behind creative output.Overall, 'Come Into the Water' is a beautifully introspective song that unravels the complexities of desire and the struggle to fully embrace vulnerability. Through vivid and poetic lyrics, Mitski invites us to explore themes of trust, self-discovery, the transformative power of water, and the link between desire and artistic expression. It is a haunting and evocative track that resonates with anyone who has experienced the longing for connection and the exhilarating yet fearful journey towards opening oneself up to another.