Meaning of Wait by Mitski

In Mitski's haunting and introspective song titled "Wait," she and Keaton Henson explore a complex emotional landscape, delving into themes of longing, unrequited love, and the desperate desire for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and pain that accompany these emotions. Let's delve deeper into the standout lyrics and the unexpected themes they help develop within the song.The opening lyrics, "I'd wait, waiting [now?], I'd wait for you," immediately set the tone for the song's overarching theme of longing and yearning. This line speaks to a willingness to wait indefinitely for someone, emphasizing the depth of attachment and desire present in the narrator's heart. Here, we can explore the themes of patience and endurance, as well as the concept of self-sacrifice for the sake of love.In the verse sung by Keaton Henson, the lyrics "All your speeches sound like dying words to me, All your leeches suck me dry, All you heedless talking fills my head, Dire conversation," reveal the struggle with emotional exhaustion and the draining effect of unreciprocated affection. These lyrics unravel the theme of emotional depletion, shedding light on the toll that unrequited love can take on a person's well-being. Additionally, they touch upon the idea that words can be powerful and impactful, either breathing life into a relationship or suffocating it.As Mitski takes the stage, she offers a piercing chorus, singing, "I'd wait in line just to have you once, Then you'll have me once, And I'll never be happy again." These lines unveil themes of desperation and the fear of missing out. The narrator is willing to endure any agony, even if it means experiencing fleeting joy with their beloved for just a moment. This theme explores the lengths individuals may go to seek validation and happiness, even if it is short-lived and ultimately leaves them feeling empty.The bridge, sung by Mitski, states, "And I know you belong with no one but I belong to no one else." This lyric juxtaposes the contrasting desires of the two individuals involved in the relationship. While one person feels that the other belongs to no one else but them, they also acknowledge that they themselves don't belong to anyone either. This theme touches upon the complexities of love, possessiveness, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging.In the second verse sung by Keaton Henson, the lyrics "All you demons won't let- well, you know, All you feelings burst up out of my head" reflect the internal struggle faced by the narrator. This theme delves into the battle with inner demons and emotional turmoil that often accompanies unrequited love. The lyrics imply a constant war within oneself, where overwhelming emotions rise to the surface, threatening to consume the individual completely.Mitski's final verse brings the song to a poignant conclusion. She sings, "I do hold a dream, I'd be loved, When you lost a star, When your love's a star, Your love's a star when your love's a star." These lyrics present the theme of longing for reciprocation and validation. The narrator dreams of being loved and cherished, even in moments when their love and presence may seem distant, like a lost star. This theme may explore the idea that love can be distant and ephemeral, but its existence still holds tremendous value and meaning.In summary, "Wait" by Mitski and Keaton Henson is brimming with profound and thought-provoking themes. Through its poetic lyrics, the song captures the essence of longing, unrequited love, and the relentless pursuit of connection. Each lyric unveils unexpected and imaginative themes, including patience, endurance, emotional depletion, desperation, fear of missing out, possessiveness, the struggle to find belonging, internal conflict, and the value of love, even in its most distant form. Together, these themes weave a captivating narrative of human emotions, resonating with listeners and inviting self-reflection on the complexities of the heart.