In a video posted to Mitski's Spotify:
"So my song Bug Like an Angel is basically about addiction, So if you relate to it, then this song is for you and if you don't, that's great too"
Bug Like An Angel
Mitski Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stuck to the bottom
Of my glass, with a little bit left
As I got older
I learned I'm a drinker
Sometimes a drink feels like family
Family
Lookin' like your sticker
Is stuck on a floor somewhere
Did you go and make promises you can't keep?
Well, when you break them
They break you right back
Amateur mistake
You can take it from me
They break you right back
Break you right back
Ooh, ooh
When I'm bent over
Wishin' it was over
Makin' all variety of vows I'll never keep
I try to remember
The wrath of the Devil
Was also given him by God
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh, ooh
The lyrics of Mitski's song "Bug Like An Angel" contain a metaphorical representation of the singer's relationship with alcohol. The line "There's a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom of my glass" suggests that the singer sees alcohol as both a burden and a savior. It can be seen as an "angel" because it provides comfort and familiarity, acting like a temporary escape from reality. However, it is also symbolized as a "bug" that clings to the bottom of the glass, implying that it can become a vice or an addiction.
The following line, "As I got older, I learned I'm a drinker," reveals that the singer has come to realize their inclination towards alcohol consumption. They acknowledge that sometimes, a drink can feel like family, implying that it provides a sense of belonging or emotional support. However, this connection can also be flawed, as family relationships can be complex and filled with both comfort and dysfunction.
The second verse explores the consequences of not being able to fulfill promises, possibly alluding to the singer's own shortcomings. The line "Well, when you break them, they break you right back" suggests that the consequences of not keeping promises can be painful, and possibly lead to a cycle of disappointment and regret. The use of the phrase "amateur mistake" implies a lack of experience or understanding, highlighting the singer's vulnerability.
The final lines of the song, "When I'm bent over, wishing it was over, making all variety of vows I'll never keep, I try to remember the wrath of the Devil was also given him by God," delve into the singer's struggles with addiction and the internal battle they face. The act of "wishing it was over" implies a desire to break free from the hold of alcohol, while recognizing their own tendency to make empty promises. The mention of the Devil and God suggests a deeper contemplation of the nature of good and evil, possibly reflecting a struggle with personal demons.
Overall, "Bug Like An Angel" delves into the complicated relationship between the singer and alcohol, exploring themes of comfort, vulnerability, and the consequences of broken promises.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a bug like an angel
There is a small flaw or imperfection that appears innocent and celestial-like
Stuck to the bottom
Attached firmly to the bottom
Of my glass, with a little bit left
Remaining in my glass, with only a small amount remaining
As I got older
As I matured and gained more experience
I learned I'm a drinker
I discovered that I have a tendency to consume alcohol
Sometimes a drink feels like family
Occasionally, a beverage can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity similar to family
Family
A reference to the importance and emotional connection of familial relationships
Hey, what's the matter?
Hello, what is troubling or concerning you?
Lookin' like your sticker
Appearing as if you are labelled or defined by something
Is stuck on a floor somewhere
Seems trapped or adhered to a random location
Did you go and make promises you can't keep?
Did you make commitments that you are unable to fulfill?
Well, when you break them
However, when you fail to fulfill those promises
They break you right back
They bring consequences or emotional distress upon you
Amateur mistake
A foolish or inexperienced error
You can take it from me
You can trust my advice or learn from my experience
When I'm bent over
When I am physically or emotionally exhausted
Wishin' it was over
Desiring for the situation or experience to end
Makin' all variety of vows I'll never keep
Making various promises or commitments that I will never fulfill
I try to remember
I attempt to recall or keep in mind
The wrath of the Devil
The intense anger or punishment associated with evil or wrongdoing
Was also given him by God
God bestowed the Devil with the capability of inflicting punishment or suffering
Ooh
Vocalization expressing a feeling of contemplation or surprise
Ooh
Vocalization expressing a feeling of contemplation or surprise
Ooh, ooh
Vocalization expressing a feeling of contemplation or surprise
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mitsuki Laycock
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@partlyironic
There's a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom
Of my glass, with a little bit left
As I got older, I learned I'm a drinker
Sometimes a drink feels like family
Family
Hey, what's the matter? Lookin' like your sticker
Is stuck on a floor somewhere
Did you go and make promises you can't keep?
Well, when ya break them, they break you right back
Amateur mistake
You can take it from me
They break you right back
Break you right back
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
When I'm bent over, wishin' it was over
Makin' all variety of vows I'll never keep
I try to remember the wrath of the devil
Was also given him by God
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
@ROIKKKK
Mitski always makes a masterpiece for us ❤
@letsgorobots0721
you better believe it, she even created washing machines, old friends, fireworks, and just so many things
@ROIKKKK
@@letsgorobots0721 Can't forget when she made sunny days and blood sniffin' sharks
@Poulpeh
Remember that she also creaded nobodies for Kingdom Hearts ?
@chinyuxuan5690
Remember when she invented nobody and everybody, Mitski is so cool
@figthegiant4065
And angels, she’s so generous😊
@Kaligopteryx506
I love that she put regular words because she knows we cant read that font 😭
@skritbox
these lyrics hold so much meaning, there is so much room for interpretation and thats what i love about songs like yours. beautiful music mitski
@bozoo0o
I just realized the legnth of this song is 3:33 seconds, which means (in angel numbers) support, love, and guidance <3
@alexiaa_a
I have an interpretation of this song. At the start mitski says "theres a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom of my glass with a little bit left"
And the song is about addiction. Where she says "sometimes a drink feels like family". From this we can only understand that its about alcohol addiction. As the song goes on,we can hear Mitski saying something about God and the devil. This makes me go back to the first part of the song about the "bug like an angel stuck to the bottom of my glass". Imagine. Like the title says "bug like an angel" this makes me think that God sent an angel disguised as a bug to stop the person from drinking because,who would drink if there was a bug in your drink? God wants to stop this addiction by sending help but in a subtle way.
Amazing song and if you listen closely to the lyrics..its not just a song. Its a masterpiece with a deep meaning behind. I love you Mitski❤😞🫶🏼