Table of Contents
Introduction:
“First Love/Late Spring” is a song by Mitski. It is a popular song that revolves around first love and adolescence.
About the Lyricist:
Mitski (1990-) is a famous Japanese-American lyricist. She focuses on indie rock music and has released several successful albums. Famous ones of hers include “Lush and Retired from Sad” and “New Career in Business”.
Theme:
The theme of this song is love. The theme of rebellion against authority and the desire for self-expression can also be noted as it is a common thread throughout the album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” which the song is part of.
Explanation of the Song:
The black hole Of the Window Where you sleep The night breeze Carries Something sweet A peach tree Wild women don't get the blues But I find that Lately I've been crying like a Tall child So please hurry leave me I can't breathe Please don't say you love me ????????? One word from you and I would Jump off of this Ledge I'm on Baby Tell me "don't" So I can Crawl back in And I was so young When I behaved Twenty five Yet now I find I've grown into A tall child And I don't wanna go home yet Let me walk to the top of the big night sky Please hurry leave me I can't breathe Please don't say you love me ????????? One word from you and I would Jump off of this Ledge I'm on Baby Tell me "don't" So I can Crawl back in One word from you and I would Jump off of this Ledge I'm on Baby Tell me "don't" So I can Crawl back in
The song begins with a sparse, melancholy guitar riff. It starts off with a tone of introspection as Mitsuki sings about the confusion and uncertainty that comes with falling in love for the first time. The lines “Tell me, am I dying? / And if I am, then why can’t I / Lie down in the flowers? / And be with my love / Underneath him / Underneath the ground?” stand testimony to this fact.
The imagery of flowers and being buried in the ground evokes a sense of longing for a connection with nature, a desire to escape the constraints of society and the pressures of growing up. Mitski’s use of the pronoun “him” suggests that this love she is talking about is not one that is platonic in nature but romantic– a first love.
As the song progresses, Mitski’s vocals become more intense, reflecting the intensity of her emotions. She sings, “I’m not gonna be what my daddy wants me to be / I wanna be what my body wants me to be,” expressing a desire to break free from the societal constructs and expectations of her family and society at large.
The song’s chorus is a repetition of the line, “Please don’t say you love me,” which can be interpreted in a number of ways, as many fans do. On one hand, it could be seen as a rejection of the other person’s feelings, a reluctance to commit to a relationship. On the other hand, it could be a plea for the other person not to place too much pressure on Mitski or the relationship itself, a desire to preserve the innocence and purity of first love.
Conclusion:
“First Love/Late Spring” is a haunting and beautiful exploration of the complexities of growing up and falling in love for the first time. Mitski’s raw, emotional vocals and poignant lyrics make this song a standout on her album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” and tends to be a classic among indie rock music fans.
