Meaning of Square by Mitski

The Mitski song "Square" delves into the complexities of love and longing, exploring themes of introspection, yearning, and the need for validation. Through introspective lyrics and intimate storytelling, Mitski captures the intricacies of a relationship that lacks reciprocity and the emotional turmoil that ensues.One standout lyric in the song is "Your room was square, I once noticed from there." This line not only describes the physical setting but also symbolizes a confined and structured space, mirroring the emotional distance between the narrator and their partner. The theme of confinement and restriction is further accentuated by the line "Everything had its own place, and I wondered what space would I take in the order you kept." Here, the narrator reflects on their place in the relationship and their struggle to find belonging within the established dynamics.In the verse, "I tried to eat like your girlfriend, just tea, in the night I'd end up, too hungry to sleep," Mitski explores the theme of emotional starvation. The narrator attempts to conform to their partner's expectations but finds themselves deprived of emotional sustenance. This theme extends to the line "So lying awake, I would follow the aching inside, I would find it's for you won't be mine." The narrator's longing for connection becomes the source of their agony as they come to the realization that their love will never be reciprocated.The chorus emphasizes the narrator's desperate attempts to fulfill societal expectations of love: "I tried my hardest, for I'd never learned, God's very simple, and love shouldn't burn." In this context, the theme of societal pressure emerges, highlighting the unrealistic ideals that often lead to internal conflict and dissatisfaction. The line "And I would've offered you all that you yearned for, but I was still waiting for something to earn" further develops the theme of unfulfilled expectations, suggesting that the narrator's lack of self-worth prevents them from fully giving themselves to the relationship.Mitski invokes the imagery of snow in the verse, "What is that quiet of snow in the night? The dark rings with white noise, as you stand and drown." Here, the theme of drowning in silence and emotional isolation is explored. The snowflake's silence symbolizes the muteness of the narrator's desires and the inability to communicate their yearning for a deeper connection.The final verse portrays a bittersweet acceptance of the situation, as the narrator says, "Well, that's my ride, hope you had a good night, you know, you made me happy." This line reveals the theme of emotional ambivalence, as the narrator acknowledges the fleeting moments of happiness despite the underlying emotional strain. The lyric "Here, shake my hand, you make such a good man, never once did you know me" highlights the theme of unrecognized emotional depth, emphasizing the narrator's desire for genuine understanding and connection.In the concluding chorus, the theme of unrequited love is further explored through the line "And maybe you'd offered me all that I yearned for, but I was still waiting for something to earn." It delves into the idea that even if the partner had provided everything the narrator desired, it ultimately would not have been enough without a sense of personal achievement and self-worth.Overall, "Square" artfully explores the complexities of love, emotional deprivation, and the quest for validation. Mitski's evocative storytelling allows listeners to empathize with the narrator's experiences and contemplate their own relationships, ultimately reminding us of the importance of self-acceptance and mutual understanding in love.