Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Abbey” by Mitski
The song ‘Abbey’ by Mitski is a heartfelt reflection on the difficulty of finding true peace and solace within oneself. The lyrics evoke a feeling of being lost and isolated in a world where connection and comfort can be hard to find. The song speaks to the idea of searching for something larger than oneself, and the tension between wanting to feel accepted and loved, yet feeling undeserving of it. The artist has described this song as inspired by her own sense of loneliness and her realization that such feelings will never go away completely; however, it is instead important to learn self-acceptance and to seek comfort in one’s own company.
The idea of an ‘abbey’ is used as a metaphor for a safe refuge and inner peace, but Mitski’s lyrics paint a complex picture of yearning and restlessness. She questions her own worthiness to receive this kind of peace, saying, ‘Maybe I’ll never be ready, is my heart not allowed?’ and ‘Maybe I just wasn’t made to lounge in abandoned wings’. Yet despite these feelings of doubt, Mitski ultimately expresses a desire for self-acceptance and understanding, to ‘love and be loved in return’, as she sings: ‘I’m not searching for anything, I’m learning to accept myself’.
The overarching message of ‘Abbey’ is thus one of hope; that although life can be difficult, one can find greater joy and inner peace by acknowledging and accepting one’s own flaws and imperfections.