Meaning of “The Deal” by Mitski
In Mitski’s “The Deal”, she narrates a solitary, midnight walk where they engage in an eerie, introspective “deal” with unseen forces, offering up their soul in a desperate bid for relief from inner turmoil. Despite the heavy price of losing her freedom and voice, there’s an acceptance of the irrevocable choice she’s made.
The lyrics talk about loneliness, desperation, and the painful trade-offs between freedom and relief from personal anguish, leaving listeners with an open-ended, haunting contemplation of the consequences of their choices.
“There’s a deal you can make on a midnight walk alone
Look around, listen close, hear it fall from above
It will ask what you’d give and what you’d take for it in return
I once went on such walk and I found that I’d said”
A Lonely Walk
In the first part of the song, the singer speaks of a personal experience where she made a “deal” during a lonely midnight walk. She heard a voice asking what she’d give and take in exchange for something. It creates a mysterious atmosphere where the artist is open to unknown forces, showing their desperation and willingness to engage in this eerie “deal”.
A Soul’s Plea
In the second part of the song, Mitski expresses a deep feeling of tiredness and a desire to give away her soul. She doesn’t want anything in return except to be free from the consequences of holding onto it. This part reveals deep sadness and the heavy burden the artist feels carrying her own soul, showcasing a yearning for release, even if it means giving up a part of herself.
Silence and Observation
The third verse narrates how nothing responded to her plea during the walk. The only living thing she encounters is a bird on a streetlight, observing her. It brings an eerie stillness, where the singer is left unanswered, adding to the feelings of isolation and loneliness prevalent throughout the song.
A Costly Exchange
In the bridge of the song, a shift occurs. The singer implies they’ve been “taken” by the night and won’t sing anymore. The narrative seems to express a kind of exchange, where she gains relief from her pain but at the cost of their freedom. It’s like she has traded her vitality and voice for some form of relief, painting a picture of profound loss and melancholy.
The Done Deal
In the outro, Mitski repetitively admits to having made a “deal”, emphasizing a sense of regret and realization of the grave decision they’ve made. It closes with a haunting acceptance, leaving listeners with a heavy heart and an open-ended conclusion to ponder on what the “deal” has truly cost them. It’s a deep reflection on the choices one makes and the irreversible consequences that come with it.
When was “The Deal” released?
“The Deal” is the name of the fifth track released from Mitski’s album entitled “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We”. September 15 of 2023 is its official issuance date.
Writing and Production
Mitski took on the writing job for this song, where as record engineer Patrick Hyland handled all its production duties.
