Dead Women

Mitski's "Dead Women" is a poignant exploration of the way society often romanticizes and exploits the narratives of women, particularly after their deaths. The song delves into the unsettling idea that a woman's story is more palatable or intriguing when she is no longer alive to tell it herself. The lyrics suggest a morbid fascination with the deceased, as if their stories are more valuable or meaningful when they are no longer around to contradict or complicate them. This is highlighted in the opening lines, where the narrator questions whether they would be more appreciated if they were dead, allowing others to shape their story to fit a desired narrative.

The song employs vivid and unsettling imagery, such as sewing rocks into a dress and going gracefully into a lake, which evokes the tragic tales of women who have been romanticized in death. This imagery is a stark contrast to the violence described later in the song, where the narrator imagines being stabbed and their home ransacked. These contrasting images underscore the hypocrisy and brutality of a society that venerates women in death while often disregarding or mistreating them in life. The repeated refrain of "do-do-do" adds an eerie, almost mocking tone, emphasizing the disconnect between the romanticized narrative and the harsh reality.

Mitski's work often grapples with themes of identity, belonging, and the pressures placed on women. "Dead Women" is no exception, as it challenges listeners to reflect on how they consume and perpetuate narratives about women, both living and deceased. The song serves as a critique of the ways in which women's stories are commodified and manipulated, urging a reconsideration of how we honor and remember them.