Mitski’s “Nobody,” a track from her 2018 album “Be the Cowboy,” is a paradoxical blend of upbeat melodies and melancholic lyrics.
This song, which has been described as an exploration of loneliness, delves deep into the human desire for connection and the fear of rejection.
In this analysis, we’ll dissect the lyrics of “Nobody” to uncover the underlying themes and emotions conveyed by Mitski.
Table of Contents
“Nobody” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
My God, I’m so lonely, so I open the window
To hear sounds of people, to hear sounds of people
Venus, planet of love, was destroyed by global warming
Did its people want too much too? Did its people want too much?
The song opens with a stark admission of loneliness. Mitski describes opening a window to hear people, highlighting her isolation and desperate need for human connection.
The reference to Venus, the planet of love, being destroyed by global warming is a metaphor for how excessive desire or consumption can lead to destruction. This could symbolize how Mitski’s intense longing for love might be self-defeating.
Pre-Chorus
And I don’t want your pity, I just want somebody near me
Guess I’m a coward, I just want to feel alright
And I know no one will save me, I just need someone to kiss
Give me one good honest kiss and I’ll be alright
Mitski rejects pity, emphasizing that she simply wants companionship. She acknowledges her vulnerability, calling herself a coward for just wanting to feel alright. The plea for “one good honest kiss” underscores her desire for genuine connection, believing it could alleviate her pain.
Chorus
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Ooh, nobody, nobody, nobody
The repetition of “nobody” reflects the overwhelming feeling of isolation1. It could be interpreted as both a lament of having nobody and a realization that perhaps nobody can truly fill the void she feels.
Verse 2
I’ve been big and small and big and small and big and small again
And still nobody wants me, still nobody wants me
This verse speaks to Mitski’s attempts to change herself to be more desirable. The line “I’ve been big and small” likely refers to weight fluctuations and other physical changes.
Despite these efforts, she still feels unwanted, highlighting the futility of changing oneself for others’ approval.
Bridge and Outro
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Ooh, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
The repetition of “nobody” intensifies, possibly representing the spiraling thoughts of loneliness. The song’s gradual build-up and eventual fade-out mirror the cyclical nature of these feelings, suggesting that loneliness is a complex, multifaceted experience that can’t be easily resolved.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Nobody”
Mitski’s “Nobody” is a poignant exploration of profound loneliness and the desperate search for connection. The song’s upbeat disco-pop melody contrasts sharply with its melancholic lyrics, creating a complex emotional landscape that reflects the multifaceted nature of solitude.
At its core, “Nobody” delves into the experience of feeling utterly alone, even when surrounded by others. Mitski wrote the song during a particularly isolating Christmas in Kuala Lumpur, where she found herself without family or friends during a time typically associated with togetherness. This personal experience infuses the lyrics with raw authenticity, as Mitski articulates the pain of disconnection and the yearning for meaningful human contact.
The song’s repeated refrain of “nobody” serves multiple purposes. It reflects the overwhelming sense of isolation that can consume one’s thoughts, becoming an inescapable mantra. Simultaneously, it demonstrates how this feeling can drive a person to the brink of madness, with the word transforming from a lament to a frenzied cry as the song progresses.
Mitski also explores the lengths to which people might go to alleviate their loneliness. The lyrics “I’ve been big and small, and big and small, and big and small again” suggest a cycle of personal reinvention, as the narrator attempts to change herself to attract others. This speaks to the often futile efforts people make to conform or alter their identities in the hope of finding acceptance and love.
The song touches on themes of vulnerability and the desire for romantic connection as a salve for loneliness. Mitski’s plea for “one good honest kiss” or “one good movie kiss” reveals a longing for both authentic intimacy and idealized romance. However, these desires are tempered by the recognition that such encounters may only provide temporary relief from the underlying sense of isolation.
“Nobody” also grapples with the complex relationship between loneliness and self-reliance. While the song expresses a deep desire for connection, it simultaneously acknowledges the narrator’s understanding that “no one will save me”. This tension between wanting to be rescued and recognizing the need for self-sufficiency adds another layer of depth to the song’s exploration of solitude.
Ultimately, “Nobody” resonates with listeners because it captures the universal human experience of feeling alone and the complicated emotions that accompany it. Through its juxtaposition of upbeat music and sorrowful lyrics, the song invites us to dance through our pain, acknowledging that loneliness can be both a source of suffering and a catalyst for self-discovery and growth.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.