Mommy Fwiend

Penelope Scott's song 'Mommy Fwiend' is a raw and unfiltered exploration of emotional manipulation and the burdens placed on individuals, particularly women, in relationships. The lyrics convey a powerful message about the protagonist's refusal to be a stand-in for professional mental health support or a parental figure. Scott's blunt and direct language underscores the frustration and exhaustion of being coerced into an emotional caretaker role without consent or proper boundaries.

The song opens with a stark rejection of the idea that the protagonist should provide emotional or sexual favors to hold a place in someone's life. This sentiment is reinforced throughout the song, as Scott repeatedly emphasizes that she is not a therapist, a mother, or a father. The lyrics highlight the unfair expectation that women should absorb and manage the emotional turmoil of others, often at the expense of their own well-being. The metaphor of 'eating your dread' and the comparison to women swallowing cum to make it go away poignantly illustrate the internalized pressure to alleviate others' pain, even when it is detrimental to oneself.

Scott's use of vivid and confrontational imagery, such as the reference to cutting a hole in a fruit in seventh grade, serves to illustrate the dehumanizing and objectifying nature of these expectations. The song also touches on themes of consent and autonomy, making it clear that true consent extends beyond sexual interactions to encompass emotional and mental boundaries as well. The repeated refrain of 'I am not your dad' serves as a powerful reminder that the protagonist is not responsible for fixing or supporting someone else's unresolved issues, especially under the threat of emotional blackmail or guilt.

'Penelope Scott's 'Mommy Fwiend' is a bold declaration of self-preservation and a call for respect and proper boundaries in relationships. It challenges the listener to reconsider the often unspoken expectations placed on women to be emotional caretakers and to recognize the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues rather than relying on personal relationships to fill that void.