Meaning of “First Love / Late Spring” by Mitski

When the vocalist instructs the addressee to “hurry” and “leave” her in the chorus, she does not mean that literally. Rather, as Mitski has described this song, that sentiment would most likely be indicative of the singer being alarmed – for lack of a better word – due to said sentimental presence said individual has in her life. 

And that would be because despite being a full-fledged, experienced adult, she is experiencing a love reminiscent of the first time being smitten, thus making the vocalist liken herself to “a tall child” and what have you.

Or viewed from a different angle, this track came out when Mitski was entering her mid-30s. So the fact that, in real life, she had found herself so much in love that she would ‘jump off a ledge’ if her sweetheart told her to came as a surprise, since that’s not the type of naïve romantic euphoria people tend to experience at that age. Rather, that kind of complete smittenness is usually more reserved for the first person a person falls in love with, which tends to happen a bit earlier in life.

Mitski also went on to explain that as intended, the lyrics are not only romantic in nature but also meant to allude to any new, refreshing experience one may have as an adult. In other words, as she put it, we’re all “still a kid” when it comes to “doing something you’re not used to”.

“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”

Release of “First Love / Late Spring”

Mitski’s “First Love / Late Spring” was officially released on May 15, 2014 as the debut single from her album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek”. This album, which marked Mitski’s third studio release, was independently released through Dave Benton and Mike Caridi’s Double Double Whammy record label.

Aside from “First Love / Late Spring”, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” had the following singles released to help with its promotion:

• “Townie”
• “I Don’t Smoke”
• “I Will”

Credits

Mitski took on the role of composing the song herself and entrusted its production to Patrick Hyland, an American guitarist and record producer.