Released on May 15, 2014, First Love/Late Spring marked a significant milestone in Mitski Miyawaki’s musical journey.
This captivating track served as the lead single for her third studio album, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek,” signalling her transition to the Double Double Whammy label.
The song’s unique single artwork, featuring a cicada on a plant at night with the title in cutout typewriter text, sets it apart from the other tracks on the album.
Let’s delve into the intricate layers of First Love/Late Spring, examining its creation, themes, and the profound impact it has had on listeners worldwide.
First Love/Late Spring: The Birth of a Masterpiece
Produced by Patrick Hyland and written solely by Mitski, First Love/Late Spring lyrics showcase her exceptional songwriting prowess.
The track’s title itself is a study in contrasts, juxtaposing the innocence of first love with the waning days of spring—a metaphor for the complexities and uncertainties that often accompany early romantic experiences.
Mitski, who began her musical journey at 19—an age when many aspiring artists are expected to have already “made it”—brings a fresh perspective to the scene.
Her classical training infuses her work with a depth that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Decoding the First Love/Late Spring Lyrics: A Journey Through Vulnerability
First Love/Late Spring lyrics offer a window into Mitski’s soul, inviting us to explore the raw emotions of nascent love.
Let’s break down some key sections:
Verse 1:
“The black hole of the window where you sleep
The night breeze carries something sweet, a peach tree
Wild women don’t get the blues, but I find that
Lately, I’ve been crying like a tall child”
Here, Mitski paints a vivid picture of longing and introspection. The “black hole” imagery suggests an all-consuming desire, while the “peach tree” introduces a bittersweet element.
She challenges the notion that strong women are impervious to heartache, admitting her own emotional fragility.
Chorus:
“So please, hurry, leave me, I can’t breathe
Please don’t say you love me
胸がはち切れそうで (Mune ga hachikire-sōde)
One word from you and I would
Jump off of this ledge I’m on, baby
Tell me, ‘Don’t’, so I can crawl back in”
The chorus is a plea for space and a simultaneous cry for reassurance.
Mitski incorporates Japanese lyrics, “Mune ga hachikire-sōde,” which translates to “my chest seems like it’s going to burst,” intensifying the sense of overwhelming emotion.
She teeters on the edge of commitment, seeking permission to retreat to safer emotional ground.
A Personal Reflection
In an interview with The Cut, Mitski shared insights into the song’s inception: “When I wrote this song, I was experiencing the kind of vulnerable first love, and experiencing that kind of love [that makes] you realise how much of a weenie you are. I felt like I was in love for the first time when I was writing that song, and like a kid.”
This candid reflection highlights the universal nature of First Love/Late Spring.
It captures the dissonance between physical maturity and emotional inexperience, a sentiment that resonates with many young adults navigating their first serious relationships.
Musical Landscape and Production
The crisp guitar work in First Love/Late Spring creates a shimmering backdrop for Mitski’s haunting vocals.
The song’s production eschews a bombastic climax, opting instead for a subtle fade-out that mirrors the uncertainty expressed in the lyrics.
While no official music video accompanies the track, Mitski’s live performances, such as her appearance on World Cafe, breathe new life into the song.
Her emotive delivery invites listeners to witness the vulnerabilities laid bare in each verse.
First Love/Late Spring: Legacy and Impact
First Love/Late Spring has left an indelible mark on the indie music landscape.
Its honest portrayal of youthful love’s complexities continues to draw new listeners, solidifying Mitski’s reputation as a formidable songwriter.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to articulate feelings that often defy expression.
Whether interpreted as a prelude to heartbreak or a meditation on unexpected emotional depths, First Love/Late Spring speaks to the core of the human experience.
Dive into Mitski’s World
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the lyrics of First Love/Late Spring.
Let Mitski’s poignant words wash over you as you reflect on your own experiences with love and vulnerability.
Explore the full “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” album to contextualise First Love/Late Spring within Mitski’s broader artistic vision. Each track offers new insights into her masterful songcraft.
For those seeking to unravel the meaning behind Mitski’s First Love/Late Spring lyrics, countless online forums and fan communities await.
Share your interpretations, hear others’ perspectives, and discover the myriad ways this song touches lives across the globe.
First Love/Late Spring stands as a testament to Mitski’s artistry—a beautifully crafted exploration of love’s initial tremors.
So queue up the track, close your eyes, and let yourself be transported by the melancholic strains of one of indie rock’s most captivating voices.
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Mitski First Love/Late Spring Lyrics
Verse 1
The black hole of the window where you sleep
The night breeze carries something sweet, a peach tree
Wild women don’t get the blues,but I find that
Lately, I’ve been crying like a tall child
Chorus
So please, hurry, leave me, I can’t breathe
Please don’t say you love me
胸がはち切れそうで
One word from you and I would
Jump off of this ledge I’m on, baby
Tell me, “Don’t”, so I can crawl back in
Verse 2
And I was so young when I behaved twenty-five
Yet now, I find I’ve grown into a tall child
And I don’t wanna go home yet
Let me walk to the top of the big night sky
Chorus
Please, hurry, leave me, I can’t breathe
Please don’t say you love me
胸がはち切れそうで
One word from you and I would
Jump off of this ledge I’m on, baby
Tell me, “Don’t”, so I can crawl back in
Chorus
One word from you and I would
Jump off of this ledge I’m on, baby
Tell me, “Don’t”, so I can crawl back in
Outro
Please, hurry, leave me, I can’t breathe
