Meaning of "Mushrooms" by Mili

"Mushrooms" by Mili explores themes of self-pity, personal growth, and empowerment. The opening lines, "Feathers stabbed by my own words, I can fly no more," suggest that the protagonist feels weighed down by their own negative thoughts and words, unable to move forward. The mushroom symbol appears throughout the song, representing the protagonist's self-pity and victim mentality.

The lyrics describe the mushrooms looking at the protagonist and surrounding them, emphasizing a sense of being trapped and observed. This could symbolize the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of self-pity and unable to break free. The mention of walking across the "witch's scalp" and pulling out her follicles represents a visual of dominance and power, as if the protagonist is exerting control over their own struggles.

However, the mushrooms speak and reveal that they too have lived a life of self-pity and have allowed themselves to be trampled and used. They have found peace in their suffering and have no pride to push others down. This realization prompts the protagonist to question their own identity and personal growth, asking when they became the person they are now.

The song shifts towards a theme of empowerment when the protagonist decides to give up crying, waiting, and dreaming optimistic dreams. They rip out their feathers, crack their beak, and free their screams, indicating a release from their past pain and a willingness to transform. The mention of spores clinging to the protagonist's skin and the growth of tiny fibers into stems and caps symbolize the beginning of their own personal metamorphosis.

Overall, "Mushrooms" portrays a journey of self-discovery, where the protagonist confronts their own self-pity and victim mentality. Through acknowledging their own role in their struggles and breaking free from their past, they begin to embrace personal growth and empowerment.