Mitski Miyawaki, known mononymously as Mitski, has a knack for crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners, and “Washing Machine Heart” is no exception. This track, from her 2018 album Be The Cowboy, weaves intricate emotions and vivid imagery to create a narrative that’s as haunting as it is beautiful. But what does “Washing Machine Heart” truly mean? Let’s explore the hidden depths and symbolism encapsulated within its lyrics.
The Meaning of “Washing Machine Heart” by Mitski
Mitski’s “Washing Machine Heart” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of vulnerability and emotional turmoil set against the backdrop of an indie-pop beat. The song’s lyrics metaphorically liken the heart to a washing machine, capturing the cyclical nature of romantic relationships—the constant spinning, the turbulence, and the inevitable rinse and repeat. Mitski’s raw vocal delivery and poignant lyricism unravel the complexities of longing and self-worth, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with intimacy and heartbreak. Whether you’ve felt washed out by love or spun around by emotions, “Washing Machine Heart” resonates deeply, making it a poignant anthem for those grappling with the intricacies of human connection.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart
Baby, bang it up inside
I’m not wearing my usual lipstick
I thought maybe we would kiss tonight
[Pre-Chorus]
Baby, will you kiss me already?
And toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart
Baby, bang it up inside
[Verse 2]
Baby, though I’ve closed my eyes
I know who you pretend I am
I know who you pretend I am
[Bridge]
But, do-mi-ti
Why not me? Why not me?
Do-mi-ti
Why not me? Why not me?
[Chorus]
Do-mi-ti
Why not me? Why not me?
Verse 1 Analysis
Toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart
The opening line, “Toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart,” immediately sets a vivid scene. The imagery of a “washing machine heart” suggests a place where messes are cleaned and transformed. Shoes, often dirty from life’s journeys, symbolize past experiences and emotional baggage. By inviting someone to toss their dirty shoes into her ‘heart,’ Mitski could be implying a willingness to cleanse and accept the messiness of the other person’s life.
Baby, bang it up inside
The phrase “Baby, bang it up inside” adds another layer, indicating a certain roughness or intensity in the relationship. There’s a sense of chaos and turbulence, as if the emotions involved are being violently churned, much like clothes in a washing machine.
I’m not wearing my usual lipstick
Mitski notes, “I’m not wearing my usual lipstick,” which can be interpreted as lowering her guard. Lipstick often symbolizes a mask or a persona people put on. By not wearing her “usual lipstick,” she reveals a more vulnerable, unfiltered side of herself.
I thought maybe we would kiss tonight
This line, “I thought maybe we would kiss tonight,” offers a glimpse into her hopes and expectations. The intimacy of a kiss is juxtaposed against the chaotic imagery of the washing machine, highlighting the tension between desire and disorder.
Pre-Chorus Analysis
Baby, will you kiss me already?
The pre-chorus opens with a plea, “Baby, will you kiss me already?” The urgency in her voice reflects a yearning for immediate affection and validation. It’s a raw, unguarded moment where she confronts her partner, asking for something as simple yet significant as a kiss.
And toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart
Reiterating the invitation to “toss your dirty shoes in my washing machine heart,” this line underscores her willingness to absorb and process the chaos in her partner’s life. There’s a persistent theme of cleansing and renewal, suggesting a deep-seated hope for transformation through love.
Baby, bang it up inside
Once again, the line “Baby, bang it up inside” emphasizes the intensity and perhaps the destructive nature of their relationship. It’s a repetitive reminder of the emotional upheaval that comes with deep connections.
Verse 2 Analysis
Baby, though I’ve closed my eyes
In the second verse, Mitski sings, “Baby, though I’ve closed my eyes,” which signifies a willful ignorance or denial. One might close their eyes to avoid seeing something painful or unsettling. This line introduces an element of self-deception or avoidance.
I know who you pretend I am
The following line, “I know who you pretend I am,” suggests a disconnection between reality and perception. Mitski acknowledges that her partner projects an identity onto her that isn’t truly hers. It’s a poignant moment of self-awareness, revealing the cracks in their relationship.
I know who you pretend I am
Repeating the line reinforces this realization, adding weight to the emotional dissonance. The repetition also serves to solidify her understanding of the pretense in their relationship, making it an undeniable truth.
Bridge Analysis
But, do-mi-ti
The bridge introduces a sequence, “But, do-mi-ti,” which are solfège syllables used in music education. These notes correspond to the first, third, and fifth notes of the major scale, creating a simple yet melancholic melody. The choice of these notes may symbolize simplicity and purity, contrasting with the complexity of the emotions described.
Why not me? Why not me?
The refrain “Why not me? Why not me?” is a desperate cry for recognition and validation. It’s a question that cuts to the core of insecurity and longing, echoing the universal human desire to be chosen and cherished.
Do-mi-ti
Repeating “Do-mi-ti” reinforces the musical metaphor, perhaps suggesting a cyclic pattern of hope and despair. The simplicity of the melody contrasts sharply with the depth of the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics.
Chorus Analysis
Do-mi-ti
The chorus continues with “Do-mi-ti,” maintaining the musical motif. The repetition of these syllables creates a haunting, almost hypnotic effect, drawing listeners deeper into the emotional landscape of the song.
Why not me? Why not me?
Ending with the repeated question “Why not me? Why not me?” leaves the song on an unresolved note. This lingering question encapsulates the overarching theme of unfulfilled desire and the search for identity and validation within a relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphors
Washing Machine as Heart
The central metaphor of the washing machine as a heart is both powerful and multifaceted. A washing machine cleans and revitalizes, much like how relationships can purify and renew individuals. However, the process can be tumultuous, with emotions tossed and battered, mirroring the cycles of a washing machine.
Lipstick and Identity
Lipstick in the song symbolizes persona and identity. By choosing not to wear her “usual lipstick,” Mitski reveals a more authentic self, stripped of pretense. This act of vulnerability contrasts with her partner’s tendency to project false identities onto her.
Musical Notation
The use of solfège syllables introduces a musical metaphor that complements the lyrical content. The simplicity of “Do-mi-ti” juxtaposed with the complex emotions of the song creates a poignant contrast, highlighting the dissonance between appearance and reality.
Emotional Landscape
Yearning and Desire
At its heart, “Washing Machine Heart” is about yearning and desire. Mitski’s repeated pleas for a kiss and her questioning of “Why not me?” underscore a deep longing for connection and validation.
Vulnerability and Authenticity
The song also explores themes of vulnerability and authenticity. Mitski’s choice to not wear her “usual lipstick” and her acknowledgment of her partner’s pretense reveal a desire for genuine, unfiltered connection.
Turmoil and Transformation
The imagery of the washing machine conveys emotional turmoil and the potential for transformation. Relationships, like clothes in a washing machine, can be both chaotic and cleansing, leaving individuals changed by the experience.
Conclusion
“Washing Machine Heart” by Mitski is a rich tapestry of emotion, symbolism, and vivid imagery. Through its lyrics, the song explores themes of desire, identity, and transformation. By dissecting each verse and chorus, we uncover the layers of meaning that make this track resonate so deeply with listeners. Mitski’s ability to blend raw emotion with poetic metaphors creates a hauntingly beautiful narrative that invites us to reflect on our own experiences of love and vulnerability.
For those looking to explore the intricacies of Mitski’s music further, consider immersing yourself in her discography. Each song offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of human emotion and connection, solidifying Mitski’s place as a profound storyteller and artist.