Meaning of “Heaven” by Mitski
On 23 August 2023, indie label Dead Oceans dropped two singles from Mitski’s album “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We”, which are titled “Star” and “Heaven”. Both songs were written by Mitski and produced by Patrick Hyland. Their respective lyric videos were produced by Ebru Yildiz. But unlike the former, the latter was debuted on the aforementioned date via BBC Radio 1.
Lyrics of “Heaven”
This is, most simply interpreted, a love song, though there has been some theoretical debate behind the actual sentiments being relayed. Such misunderstandings are made possible by the fact that the lyrics are heavily poetic and to some degree confusing.
For instance, if this is a love song, then that begs the question as to why the addressee, i.e. Mitski’s lover is depicted as ‘cursing’ in the first verse. And in doing so, he ‘finds the string to strike within her that rings out a note heard a heaven’, which isn’t the easiest statement to understand, especially when you add the ‘cursing’ aspect to it.
But as generally utilized in the music industry within a romantic context, the term “heaven” is meant to point to the idea of gratification, especially of the sexual variety. And it is very much feasible, given the nature of the chorus especially, that such is what Mitski is referring to also.
She does so in a way that challenges the imagination if you will, as this singer, as far as we know, isn’t the raunchy type. But reading in between the lines, it does seem that the vocalist is basically celebrating the amorous side of her relationship with the addressee.
