Meaning and Lyrics of Bag of Bones by Mitski
Song Lyrics meaning of Bag of Bones by Mitski
About Mitski
Mitski Miyawaki, known professionally as Mitski, is a Japanese-American indie rock powerhouse who has carved out a unique space in the alternative music scene. Born in 1990, she spent her childhood moving between countries before settling in the United States.
Mitski’s journey into music began with classical piano training, but she soon found her true voice in the raw, emotive world of indie rock. Her debut album, “Lush”, released in 2012, set the stage for her ascent, but it was her third album, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” (2014), that truly put her on the map.
Known for her poignant lyrics and genre-bending sound, Mitski’s music often explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. Her 2018 album “Be the Cowboy” catapulted her to critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerable storytelling with infectious melodies.
While “Bag of Bones” isn’t one of her most well-known tracks, it’s a testament to Mitski’s ability to craft haunting, introspective pieces. Her more recognized hits include “Nobody”, “Your Best American Girl”, and “Washing Machine Heart”.
Mitski’s influence on the indie scene is undeniable, with her raw honesty and unique sonic landscapes inspiring a new generation of artists. Despite a brief hiatus in 2019, she returned with the album “Laurel Hell” in 2022, proving her staying power in an ever-evolving industry.
Mitski’s journey into music began with classical piano training, but she soon found her true voice in the raw, emotive world of indie rock. Her debut album, “Lush”, released in 2012, set the stage for her ascent, but it was her third album, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” (2014), that truly put her on the map.
Known for her poignant lyrics and genre-bending sound, Mitski’s music often explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. Her 2018 album “Be the Cowboy” catapulted her to critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerable storytelling with infectious melodies.
While “Bag of Bones” isn’t one of her most well-known tracks, it’s a testament to Mitski’s ability to craft haunting, introspective pieces. Her more recognized hits include “Nobody”, “Your Best American Girl”, and “Washing Machine Heart”.
Mitski’s influence on the indie scene is undeniable, with her raw honesty and unique sonic landscapes inspiring a new generation of artists. Despite a brief hiatus in 2019, she returned with the album “Laurel Hell” in 2022, proving her staying power in an ever-evolving industry.
Meaning of Bag of Bones by Mitski
“Bag of Bones” by Mitski is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of weariness, self-reflection, and a desire for release. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional exhaustion and the weight of carrying past experiences.
In the first verse, the protagonist reveals feelings of being “all used up” and describes physical signs of fatigue, such as nail colors wearing off, symbolizing a sense of deterioration. The reference to high heels clicking through the night as she carries her “bag of bones” signifies the burden and heaviness of her past, suggesting that she is lugging around the weight of her history and experiences.
The chorus, with its imagery of fluorescent store lights illuminating her pores and tearing her apart, conveys a sense of vulnerability and exposure. The plea for mercy and the longing to be spared from the ongoing search for something elusive reflect a deep yearning for respite and release from the emotional turmoil.
The second verse further explores the protagonist’s inner turmoil, as she acknowledges the mess in her room and the constant procrastination of cleaning up, symbolizing a reluctance to confront and tidy up the mess within herself. The desire to have the visitor leave before sunrise so she can watch the day break alone hints at a solitary and reflective nature, seeking solace in solitude.
The post-chorus suggests a willingness to endure a little more, a willingness to shake the poetic essence out of the beast within, possibly hinting at a desire for transformation or catharsis despite the struggles and weariness she feels.
Overall, “Bag of Bones” by Mitski is a poignant exploration of emotional exhaustion, self-reflection, and the yearning for liberation from the burdens of the past. The song captures a sense of vulnerability and longing for respite, while also hinting at a desire for transformation and release.
In the first verse, the protagonist reveals feelings of being “all used up” and describes physical signs of fatigue, such as nail colors wearing off, symbolizing a sense of deterioration. The reference to high heels clicking through the night as she carries her “bag of bones” signifies the burden and heaviness of her past, suggesting that she is lugging around the weight of her history and experiences.
The chorus, with its imagery of fluorescent store lights illuminating her pores and tearing her apart, conveys a sense of vulnerability and exposure. The plea for mercy and the longing to be spared from the ongoing search for something elusive reflect a deep yearning for respite and release from the emotional turmoil.
The second verse further explores the protagonist’s inner turmoil, as she acknowledges the mess in her room and the constant procrastination of cleaning up, symbolizing a reluctance to confront and tidy up the mess within herself. The desire to have the visitor leave before sunrise so she can watch the day break alone hints at a solitary and reflective nature, seeking solace in solitude.
The post-chorus suggests a willingness to endure a little more, a willingness to shake the poetic essence out of the beast within, possibly hinting at a desire for transformation or catharsis despite the struggles and weariness she feels.
Overall, “Bag of Bones” by Mitski is a poignant exploration of emotional exhaustion, self-reflection, and the yearning for liberation from the burdens of the past. The song captures a sense of vulnerability and longing for respite, while also hinting at a desire for transformation and release.
Lyrics of Bag of Bones by Mitski
Verse 1
I'm all used up, pretty boy
Over and over again, my nail colors are wearing off
See my hands, pretty boy
What do they tell you?
'Cause I've looked down at them, not knowing why
And after everything's done and I'm all undone
You can hear my high heels walking on
Clickety-clacking through the night
I'm carrying my bag of bones
Chorus
Fluorescent store lights, you shine through the night
Illuminate my pores and you tear me apart
Mercy on me, would you please spare me tonight?
I'm tired of this searching, would you let me let go?
Verse 2
I know my room is a mess
Over and over again I tell myself I'll clean tomorrow
Just move the stuff up off the bed
And do what you came here to do
But first, open up a window for me
And let the cool air in, feel the night slip in
As it softly glides along your back
And I hope you leave right before the sun comes up
So I can watch it alone
Chorus
Fluorescent store lights, you shine through the night
Illuminate my pores and you tear me apart
Mercy on me, would you please spare me tonight?
I'm tired of this searching, would you let me let go?
Post-Chorus
And I can take a little bit more
Let's shake this poet out of the beast
Just a, just a little bit more
Let's shake this poet out of the beast
I'm all used up, pretty boy
Over and over again, my nail colors are wearing off
See my hands, pretty boy
What do they tell you?
'Cause I've looked down at them, not knowing why
And after everything's done and I'm all undone
You can hear my high heels walking on
Clickety-clacking through the night
I'm carrying my bag of bones
Chorus
Fluorescent store lights, you shine through the night
Illuminate my pores and you tear me apart
Mercy on me, would you please spare me tonight?
I'm tired of this searching, would you let me let go?
Verse 2
I know my room is a mess
Over and over again I tell myself I'll clean tomorrow
Just move the stuff up off the bed
And do what you came here to do
But first, open up a window for me
And let the cool air in, feel the night slip in
As it softly glides along your back
And I hope you leave right before the sun comes up
So I can watch it alone
Chorus
Fluorescent store lights, you shine through the night
Illuminate my pores and you tear me apart
Mercy on me, would you please spare me tonight?
I'm tired of this searching, would you let me let go?
Post-Chorus
And I can take a little bit more
Let's shake this poet out of the beast
Just a, just a little bit more
Let's shake this poet out of the beast
Discography Mitski
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Release: 2023-09-15
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
Laurel Hell
Release: 2022-02-04
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏
Be the Cowboy
Release: 2018-08-17
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏
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The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Release: 2023-09-15
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
Laurel Hell
Release: 2022-02-04
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏
Be the Cowboy
Release: 2018-08-17
Label: Dead Oceans
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
