Kaitlyn Droba, contributor 

Japanese-American singer-songwriter Mitski explores themes of loneliness, anxiety and self-loathing in her new alternative album, “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me.” Throughout the album, Mitski describes personal experiences by using strong metaphors to express feeling lost and the struggle of having nowhere that feels comfortable. This album does not sugarcoat the raw, disturbing feelings of heartache; instead, it confronts them head-on with honesty and vulnerability. Many songs on this album reflect the complex themes of insecurity, 

self-doubt, and the messy, disconcerting ways people experience heartache. 

Several songs on this album explore the raw emotional chaos of anxiety and 

self-loathing. In “Where’s My Phone,” Mitski captures the overwhelming feelings of anxiety by using a 

fast-paced tempo and almost scattered lyrics. She repeatedly describes wanting her mind to be a “clear glass,” giving the impression that her mind is flooded with thoughts that she wishes could go away. In a similar way, “If I Leave” reveals Mitski’s fear that she is incapable of being loved by anybody but her partner. She expresses fear that nobody else would be able to handle her depressive mindset. Similarly, “Dead Women” speaks heavily on identity loss. She is showing the audience that society wants to paint a specific narrative about her, and it would be easier if she were dead, so they could tell her story the way it “ought to be.”

The album also focuses on themes of bargaining after heartache. In “Cats,” Mitski describes a relationship that is about to end, where she believes she still loves him, so she decides that she will not be the one to leave. She decides that if the relationship must end, it must be her partner’s choice to end it. This song reflects the feeling of knowing something so dear to you is going to end and not having any control over it. The common theme of heartache is also heard in “I’ll Change for You,” where Mitski swears that she will change everything about herself just for the chance of her lover returning to her. She states that she would do anything for him to come back to her. In “Rules,” Mitski continues to portray the endless cycle of doomed love. She describes the persisting cycle as meeting someone, falling in love with them, being completely ruined by them, and finally ending up alone again. 

“Nothing’s About to Happen to Me” reveals a raw and vulnerable perspective on loneliness, self-loathing, and the desire to feel loved. Throughout the album, Mitski captures the nuanced feelings associated with heartache, anxiety and personal identity through strong metaphors and personal stories. While this album embodies the heavy feelings of self-worth and painful experiences, the vulnerability speaks volumes to the listeners, which makes it deeply relatable. Throughout “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me,” Mitski has created a masterpiece that portrays the difficult experience of feeling lost, but still searching for belonging.