Miss Glum
Gus Dapperton Lyrics

In "Miss Glum," Gus Dapperton explores complex themes surrounding love, loss, and emotional turmoil, painting a vivid picture of a troubled relationship. The opening lines address a person named Miss Glum, who embodies melancholy, and reflect on the singer’s awareness of her emotional pain. The mention of hearing “all about you” suggests a familiarity with her struggles, perhaps through stories shared by mutual acquaintances. The imagery of a “jet-lagged cruise” evokes a sense of disorientation and turbulence, hinting at the emotional strain present in both their lives. Furthermore, the mention of “jewelry in between his palms” contrasts the material symbols of beauty and desirability with Miss Glum's internal suffering. The singer questions how such superficial adornments could coexist with deep emotional hurt, suggesting that she is caught in a cycle of sadness, sulking as if there is a profound emptiness that cannot be filled.

The second set of lines continues to elaborate on the singer's understanding of Miss Glum, with a mix of admiration and pain. The phrase “not quite enough” suggests a tension between knowing someone superficially and understanding their deeper struggles. The mention of a “bright blue moon” introduces a sense of rarity and beauty, juxtaposed against the brewing emotional turmoil. The repetition of “fold” implies complexities in their relationship, emphasizing layers that may not be visible at first glance. The singer expresses a longing to be close, yearning for physical and emotional connection, symbolized by the plea for Miss Glum to “hold until we get cold.” This again highlights an underlying fear of losing the warmth of love, especially as they confront the reality of their circumstances.

As the song progresses, the singer shifts focus to another individual—"her"—who seems to amplify the existing emotional struggle. The bold, “brash slur” could represent reckless behavior or a disillusioned attitude that deeply resonates with the themes of vulnerability. The powerful but ominous imagery of “bleeding deep beneath the floor” suggests hidden pain and chaos that goes unnoticed on the surface, elaborating on the idea that many emotional struggles remain unacknowledged. The singer seems to grapple with witnessing this turmoil, as it is “close below” their own feet, implying an intimate connection with yet another soul seeking something beyond mere existence, perhaps driven by a desire for a sense of purpose or understanding that remains frustratingly elusive.

The repeated refrain towards the end reveals a raw vulnerability that encapsulates the pain of abandonment. The singer's acknowledgment that “the look on my face scares them away” highlights feelings of rejection and loneliness, where their visible emotional state serves as a barrier to connection. The pleading question, “Miss Glum, why’d you leave me like that?” underscores the profound sense of loss and betrayal felt towards Miss Glum, indicating a lack of closure in their relationship. The admission that neither can “earn my love” hints at a struggle against emotional reciprocity, suggesting that love cannot be forced or transactional. This complexity of emotions within the song reveals a longing for understanding and connection, sitting at the intersection of vulnerability and uncertainty in relationships. Ultimately, “Miss Glum” captures the nuanced process of navigating one’s internal landscape while reflecting on the intricacies of love and the very real impact of emotional pain.