Meaning of "Dead To Me" by Melanie Martinez

"Dead To Me" explores the conflicting emotions that arise after a painful breakup. The speaker uses vivid imagery of funeral rituals and mourning to emphasize the finality of their relationship. By shedding tears with the lover's family and attending the wake, the speaker initially appears remorseful and devastated. However, beneath the surface, a darker desire for revenge emerges. The mention of wanting to kill the lover symbolizes the speaker's desire to rid their mind of the lingering thoughts and memories. It represents the extreme lengths they would go to remove the emotional attachment. Burying the lover's bracelet and imagining rainy days with black umbrellas implies a fantasy of erasing any trace of the person's existence.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of guilt and the futile nature of apologies. The speaker acknowledges the apologies they used to offer for the lover's actions. However, by repeating the phrase "if I told you again," the speaker implies that constantly apologizing for the pain caused by the lover would be pointless. This suggests a growing self-realization that they should not bear the burden of guilt for the mistakes of the other person. The repetition of "you won't call back" reflects the speaker's frustration and acknowledgment that the lover is no longer willing to communicate or reconcile, further solidifying the idea that the person is dead to them emotionally.

Overall, "Dead To Me" delves into the complex emotions experienced after a breakup, including the desire to sever ties completely, escape painful memories, and reclaim personal agency. It explores the internal struggle between mourning the loss of a relationship and seeking vengeance or liberation from emotional attachment.