Meaning of Working for the Knife by Mitski

The Mitski song, "Working for the Knife," delves deep into the themes of creative frustration, the passing of time, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. With introspective lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, the song explores the emotions of longing, unfulfilled dreams, and the realization that life sometimes takes unexpected turns.In the first verse, Mitski sings, "I cry at the start of every movie, I guess 'cause I wish I was making things, too, But I'm working for the knife." These lines evoke a sense of longing for creative expression. The act of crying at the beginning of each movie symbolizes a yearning to be the one crafting stories and eliciting emotions through art. However, the phrase "working for the knife" suggests a more sinister undertone. It could be interpreted as the sacrifice of artistic endeavors for the sake of survival or conforming to societal expectations. This brings forth the theme of artistic sacrifice for financial stability and the struggle to balance personal passions with the demands of everyday life.Moving into the second verse, Mitski confesses, "I used to think I would tell stories, but nobody cared for the stories I had about no good guys." Here, the theme of rejection and the struggle for recognition emerges. Mitski reflects on her failed attempts to connect with an audience through her stories. The lyrics hint at the frustration of creating art that is overlooked or dismissed. This can extend to the idea of society's preference for stories with clear-cut heroes and happy endings, leaving little room for complex and unconventional narratives. The theme woven here is the difficulty of finding validation and appreciation for one's unique voice in a world that often craves conformity.In the following lines, Mitski reflects on the progression of time, stating, "I