Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Wife” by Mitski
Wife is a song about longing for love and companionship, and the personal struggle that comes along with figuring out how to ask for it. It is a plea for understanding, and an exploration of the courage that it takes to be vulnerable and to open oneself up to the possibility of rejection. The lyrics reflect the internal thought process involved in making a difficult decision, with emphasis on the consequences of putting yourself out there and the emotional risks involved, even when you know it would be the best way to combat the loneliness. The chorus speaks to the ambivalence of surrendering to desire, singing out, “Take me, take me/Won’t you make me your wife?” Ultimately, the song acknowledges that although there is nothing more terrifying than being truly seen and known by another person, the risk of being forced to remain alone is far worse.