Mitski

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Today, I will wear my white button-down
I'm tired of wanting more, I think I'm finally worn
For you have a way of promising things
And I've been a forest fire, I am a forest fire

[Chorus]
And I am the fire, and I am the forest
And I am a witness watching it
I stand in a valley watching it
And you are not there at all

[Verse 2]
So today, I will wear my white button-down
I can at least be neat walk out and be seen as clean
And I'll go to work, and I'll go to sleep
And I'll love the littler things

[Outro]
I'll love some littler things

Have you ever had that moment when you reach the end of a journey and find yourself standing on a burning hill, surveying the wreckage of your emotions? Mitski perfectly captures this feeling in her hauntingly beautiful song, "A Burning Hill." Serving as the denouement of her album "Puberty 2," this track delves deep into the depths of modern sadness, offering a quiet and intimate examination of the tumultuous human experience.

About A Burning Hill

In "A Burning Hill," Mitski crafts a vivid musical landscape that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their emotions pull them down. The song serves as the climax of her album "Puberty 2," leaving listeners with a lasting impression that lingers long after the final chord fades away.

Mitski's introspective and poetic lyrics weave a tale of despair and self-reflection, inviting listeners into a world of raw vulnerability. Her words are simple yet profound, evoking a variety of emotions and inner contemplation. The stripped-down instrumentation, characterized by delicate acoustic guitar and subtle atmospheric elements, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows Mitski's powerful vocals to take center stage.

As the song unfolds, Mitski's emotive delivery draws us into her narrative, painting a picture of a burning hill that metaphorically represents the aftermath of emotional turmoil. The lyrics describe a scene of destruction and desolation, where she stands alone reflecting on the tumultuous journey that brought her to this point.

There is a gentle melancholy that pervades "A Burning Hill," a resignation to the inevitability of pain and loss. Mitski's raw vulnerability is palpable, as she bares her soul and allows her emotions to pour forth. It is through this authenticity that the song resonates so deeply with listeners, reminding us of our shared experiences of heartbreak and disappointment.

Throughout the track, Mitski's vocal performance is both haunting and captivating, filled with a sense of longing and introspection. Her voice rises and falls with each poignant lyric, conveying a range of emotions that further immerses us in the song's evocative atmosphere. From the delicate whispers to the heartfelt cries, every vocal nuance adds depth and intensity to the overall experience.

One of the aspects that make "A Burning Hill" so powerful is its ability to capture the complex nature of human emotions. Mitski's lyrics and delivery encapsulate the contradictions and complexities that we often face in our own lives. She beautifully articulates the simultaneous feelings of sorrow and acceptance, creating a profound and relatable depiction of the human experience.

The musical arrangement of "A Burning Hill" is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint. The delicate acoustic guitar provides a gentle foundation for Mitski's vocals, allowing her words to take center stage. The sparse instrumentation is complemented by ethereal atmospheric elements, which create a sense of space and intimacy. This minimalist approach enhances the emotional impact of the song, highlighting the raw vulnerability and introspection within the lyrics.

"A Burning Hill" is a poignant masterpiece that showcases Mitski's talent for crafting deeply personal and introspective songs. With its evocative lyrics, haunting vocals, and minimalist arrangement, the track leaves an indelible mark on the listener's soul. Mitski's ability to capture the complexities of human emotions sets her apart as a songwriter, and "A Burning Hill" is a testament to her artistic prowess.

So, are you ready to take a journey to the top of the burning hill? Allow yourself to be swept away by Mitski's poignant storytelling and let the melancholic beauty of "A Burning Hill" wash over you. It's a song that has the power to ignite a fire within, connecting us to the depths of our own emotions and reminding us of the shared experiences that make us human.

• Release Date: June 17, 2016
• Artist: Mitski