“Dollhouse” by Melanie Martinez is a haunting and dark exploration of a seemingly perfect but deeply dysfunctional family. The song tells the story of a family filled with secrets, deceit, and facades, hidden behind a façade of perfectionism.

In the Verse 1, the lyrics reveal a troubled household – a mother who is oblivious to her husband’s infidelity and her son’s drug use, depicting a family living a lie. The daughter pleads for her mother to wake up to the reality of their situation, but her cries go unheard. The notion of playing with dolls symbolizes the artificiality and manipulation within the family dynamic.

The Pre-Chorus emphasizes the theme of being ignored and unseen, highlighting the disconnect between the family members and the outside world. The mention of “wallpaper glistens” suggests that the perfect image presented to others is just a surface-level illusion.

In the Chorus, the repetition of “Places, places, get in your places” reflects the act of putting on a show for the outside world, urging the family members to maintain their roles and personas. The plea to not let others “look through the curtains” implies a fear of exposure and vulnerability.

The Post-Chorus with the repetition of “D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E, I see things that nobody else sees” underscores the idea of having a unique perspective on the family’s dysfunction that is hidden from public view.

In Verse 2, the focus shifts to the mother, who is portrayed as superficial and unaware of the reality around her. Her actions, like reaching for a flask when no one is looking, reveal her coping mechanisms and urge to maintain appearances.

The Breakdown and repeated Chorus emphasize the cyclical nature of the family’s charade, with the children being urged to uphold the illusion of perfection despite the underlying turmoil.

Overall, “Dollhouse” is a commentary on the pressure to conform to societal expectations of perfection, the struggles of hidden family dynamics, and the toll of maintaining a facade of happiness. The song delves into the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of living a lie, ultimately urging listeners to see beyond the surface and acknowledge the imperfections and vulnerabilities that exist behind closed doors.