Meaning of "My, My" by Seven Mary Three

The lyrics of "My, My" by Seven Mary Three depict a toxic and unhealthy relationship. The narrator describes their partner's actions, which consistently cause them pain. The line "My, my stomach hurts again tonight, she says" suggests that the partner is prone to emotional outbursts that affect the narrator's well-being. The partner's inability to untie their emotional pain and instead cuts it and ties it to a door indicates a cycle of self-destructive behavior. The reference to mercy being a cattle call implies that the partner is insensitive and unwilling to show compassion or understanding. The narrator realizes that they have been played the fool in the past and doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes. However, the partner's indifference and the narrator's vulnerability make them believe that the partner would take them back. The tearing down of the front door just to see the narrator's photograph suggests an obsession or possessiveness on the partner's part.

In the second verse, the narrator's head becomes confused by the partner's actions. The partner's attempts to integrate the narrator further into their life, such as putting the narrator's sticker on their car and buying a CD, seem like manipulative gestures to keep the narrator emotionally attached. The narrator longs for mercy and understanding, but the partner continues to ignore their needs. The repeated line "won't be fooled again" shows the narrator's determination to break free from the cycle of being deceived and hurt. They don't want to be fooled into re-entering this toxic relationship.

The reference to the phonograph spinning suggests a sense of rehashing the past. The narrator acknowledges their vulnerability in pleading for their partner not to leave, without any hesitation to beg. They fear losing the partner and the pain that will come with it. The final verse conveys the physical toll the relationship has taken on the narrator's skin. Despite washing away the pain, they find that their partner's influence continues to seep back in. The concluding line emphasizes the narrator's determination not to be fooled again, suggesting that they have reached their limit and are ready to move on from this destructive relationship.