Pessimist
Wild Nothing Lyrics
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Stumbling, coughing, grin or lie
Will you look into my eyes?
Will you be my new dress?
Box up all of your things with tape
Write your address, hope it won't be late
Can I still be your pessimist?
Boys don't cry, they just want to die
Stumbling, coughing, grin or lie
Will you look into my eyes?
Will you be my new dress?
The lyrics to Wild Nothing's "Pessimist" convey a sense of loneliness and desperation. The opening line, "Boys don't cry, they just want to die," suggests that the singer is struggling with feelings of depression and hopelessness. The following lines, "Stumbling, coughing, grin or lie," paint a picture of someone who is trying to maintain a façade of normalcy even though they are suffering inside.
The chorus, "Will you look into my eyes? Will you be my new dress?" is perhaps the most enigmatic part of the lyrics. It could be interpreted as a plea for someone to see the singer's true self, or it could be a metaphor for wanting someone to wrap themselves around the singer and protect them. The line "Can I still be your pessimist?" could be seen as a question about whether the singer's pessimistic worldview is endearing or alienating to the person they are addressing.
Overall, the lyrics to "Pessimist" suggest a deep sense of yearning and uncertainty. The singer is looking for someone to connect with, but also seems to fear rejection and judgment. The repetition of the opening lines in the chorus reinforces this sense of angst and isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys don't cry, they just want to die
Boys are socialized not to express their emotions and instead hide behind a facade of toughness, but this often leads them to feeling overwhelmed with sadness, desperation, and even suicidal thoughts.
Stumbling, coughing, grin or lie
Trying to put up a brave face and hold back tears, boys often resort to physical discomforts such as coughing, stumbling or a fake smile to conceal their inner turmoil.
Will you look into my eyes?
The singer is pleading with someone to see through his facade and recognize the pain he is going through by truly looking into his eyes.
Will you be my new dress?
The singer is comparing the relationship he desires to that of a new dress, something he can put on to feel better and hide his real self.
Box up all of your things with tape
The singer is instructing someone to pack up their life and belongings in order to move on from a difficult situation.
Write your address, hope it won't be late
The singer is hoping that the person leaving will start a new chapter without delay, resolving their issues and finding happiness in a new place.
Can I still be your pessimist?
Even though things may be changing for the better, the singer is asking if he can still be the one to dwell on the negatives and provide a sense of pessimism.
Boys don't cry, they just want to die
The opening line repeats, emphasizing the idea that men are expected to suppress their emotions and are often left feeling helpless and lost.
Contributed by Makayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.