Meaning of "Mercy/Gatekeeper" by Hayley Kiyoko

"Mercy/Gatekeeper" explores the feelings of isolation, pain, and longing for understanding. The artist portrays a sense of being awake while the city sleeps, suggesting a disconnect and loneliness. The dreams that the artist cannot create represent the inability to escape from their own mind and the pain they experience. The artist reaches out to someone, possibly a confidant or loved one, crying out for mercy, but is met with a lack of understanding. This reinforces the artist's feelings of isolation and the inability to find solace in others. The repetitive desire to cry and bang their head signifies the overwhelming pain and frustration the artist feels. These acts become outlets for their emotions, a way to release the built-up tension. The reference to dying their hair suggests a desire for change and a way to feel in control, using physical appearance as a form of self-expression and strength. However, even with this change, the artist knows that Mondays may be bearable, but Sundays will still bring pain. The noise of others' words becomes overwhelming and unimportant, indicating the artist's detachment from the world around them. Ultimately, the artist pleads for mercy, a plea for relief from the constant hurting they experience. The repetition of this plea emphasizes the desperation and longing for an end to their suffering.