TUNNEL VISION

Melanie Martinez's 'TUNNEL VISION' delves into the themes of objectification, self-worth, and the pitfalls of obsessive desire. The song's lyrics paint a picture of someone being pursued not for who they are, but for the physical pleasure they can provide. The metaphor of 'tunnel vision' suggests a narrow-minded focus, where the pursuer sees only what they want to see, disregarding the personhood of the one they desire.

The opening lines of the song invite the listener into a metaphorical tunnel, leading to a portal where burdens are laid to rest. This could symbolize the journey one must take to shed societal expectations and pressures. Martinez uses religious imagery, such as 'death's holy water,' to emphasize the gravity of the situation and the transformative experience of overcoming objectification. The mention of 'honeysuckle and fresh meat' further illustrates the reduction of a person to something to be consumed, while the repeated assertion 'I'm more than that' is a powerful declaration of self-worth and complexity beyond physical attributes.

Martinez's style often includes dark, satirical elements, and 'TUNNEL VISION' is no exception. The song critiques the way some people pursue relationships based on superficial desires, using manipulation and pretense. The lyrics 'playin' house to distract me' and 'you're no good at actin'' suggest that these attempts at deception are transparent and ultimately futile. The song ends on a note of lost potential, with the line 'Could've been more, now we'll never know,' lamenting the depth of connection that could have been achieved if the pursuer had looked beyond their narrow desires.