Mitski - Bug Like an Angel (Behind the Song)

[@Kai-tl9gy]

i need a full documentary on the entirety of mitski's discography explanation and silly things "this is getting long already" dear mitski, i would chug down 24h of hearing the meaning behind everything you've ever done

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@fkd8zkf]

YES

[@deadaccountghosted]

​@@namantherockstarget a job, save money, buy it urself

[@eeni14]

I could listen to her talking about investment and tax and I will never get bored

[@lunajsu]

YES.

[@Mewnism]

i know mitski doesn't really like social media but i hope she does more of these!! she just seems so calm, passionate and in her space talking about music and her process of creativity!!

[@Moonsong_]

as a young songwriter - singer this is EVERYTHING I need. Mitski, if you want to, please make videos like these for the other songs too. This is amazing, you explain it so clearly and calmly I love it. You know how to make REAL art and you've always been. Thank you the song is overly amazing

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@mitskilover6471]

absolutely yes i relate to this too songwriters and musicians rise up this video is perfect

[@xcharlie_xox2966]

@@namantherockstar this is a bot guys, I've seen quite a few people post the same script :/

[@MichaelTurner856]

Yeah it's awesome to see other people's processes. I hope she keeps going all in with the nitty gritty if she keeps doing this I also enjoy nerding out about songwriting

[@littlebodybigheart357]

Agreed, I'd love if she make more videos like this 🩶

[@ElectricBlue1013]

I also love that the chord progression “regains balance” when the choir sings. Community can put us in our place and bring us back on the right foot. Thank you for this, Mitski, we would love to hear this process for more of your songs ❤️

[@t4y10r8]

I didn't notice that part that is SOO COOL though!!

[@yamzuh]

Always loved your musical “jumpscares” since Carry Me Out, they’re always so intense(Liquid Smooth being another example) and make me feel warm and fuzzy, even if the song isn’t necessarily warm and fuzzy. So glad you’re back ❤️

[@etieno]

Right! I started crying when I first listened to Carry Me Out I think, such deep emotions come whenever she floods the music with choirs or vocals or whatever , it’s a great surprise really.

[@namantherockstar]

Mitzi inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@drew4445]

Feel like the greatest Mitski musical jump scare is still the glitch in Geyser tho - it's actually scary! XD

[@sleekyissleepy]

and geyser

[@karolmiazga2166]

also Valentine, Texas! the jumpscare is such a powerful way to start an album...

[@Pratfall3r]

I never thought as an artist that this would be something I needed. For some it could take the magic out of the music, but seeing how simple yet intentional the formation of this beautiful track was makes me feel like I can make magic too 💛

[@cybarx]

she’s music, she’s art, she’s everything 🫶

[@_kemiii]

Real

[@mimeedraw-zees]

realest

[@faeriemss]

So excruciatingly real

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@6raydon]

@@namantherockstar stop infesting our home x

[@Comicfeind]

I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us in and taking the time to share with us how you used your creativity and perspective. It really is everything to know the intent of the composer/songwriter and I also admire your strive to give the listener the chance to “take what they need” from your music. I think that’s beautiful. Thank you thank you, Mitski!!

[@angeliar.6960]

this is all I’ve ever wanted i could listen to people passionate about songwriting and music talk in detail about their creative process for hours and hours, like lots of other songwriters in the comments we appreciate this so so so much

[@MichaelTurner856]

Yep

[@Marushkamon]

I could listen to her talk for hours. Her calm energy her soothing voice

[@EverythingandNothing888]

Agreed. Me too. I feel the same way. Almost like a loving mother.

[@kryzgamboa1059]

I love how she takes her time to explain every little detail... It adds a lot more value to the song that it already had🤍

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@Feministdakarana]

As someone who doesn’t make music, this is so interesting to hear and know! I really appreciate this kind of content, it’s fascinating to see exactly how you craft a song, plus the little details that we might have missed (like the glass, I was visualizing it on the table, so it’s good to know it’s actually upwards!). It makes me feel even more immersed in the music, giving the little universe created in those three minutes it lasts more depth.

[@Ebichuchu]

Omg I would love if Mitski did this for every song on this album 😳 maybe that’s asking for too much, but I personally love hearing how an artist developed a song and the thought process Edit: okay see her explaining why the bug is like an angel makes so much sense now!! I pictured it differently as I listened, like the drinker looking down and noticing the bug and didn’t understand that way

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@colereitz1218]

I also pictured the protagonist looking down at the glass. Though I pictured the bug to be a moth, hence why it was a “Bug Like an Angel”. I imagined the protagonist viewed the bug as a guardian angel or something similar. It would cause them stop drinking to reflect on what they were doing, making them leave the bar. I also agreed more with pessimistic interpretation that Mitski brought up. After they left the bar they would make all of these promises to God saying they wouldn’t drink any more, and they would get better. Even when they knew they would be back. Sorry if this is long, but I could fill a book just talking about how amazing Mitski’s storytelling is!

[@Ebichuchu]

@@colereitz1218 Ohh your explanation makes sense to me too! It’s no problem, I’m glad we can all discuss our thoughts with each other online because god knows no one in my actual life cares to dissect Mitski songs 😂🤪

[@emmaclaveropersson3302]

I also trought she meant looking down on the bug thinking it was like the fallen angel, since the protagonist fell in adiction and felt like god was punishing them, like the wrath that he gave to the devil. OR like drinking and seeing that the bug, wich looks like an angel, pretty and pure, died in my glass, like saying that their addiction is really harmful to the protagonists surroundings?

[@aaronhour]

I also pictured it being the drinker looking down at the glass!!! I thought the drinker called the bug an angel because it made them stop drinking the glass to avoid swallowing it, leaving just enough that the bug is half submerged.

[@anneeburton8891]

don’t be sorry?? thank you for letting us in on your thoughts and intentions behind the song, I really loved this. so grateful for your art in the world.

[@kenyarosales5929]

MITSKI don’t ever apologize for making this video especially this long. i really enjoyed this. thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us.

[@gibgardien4681]

"this video is getting long" I would listen to this for another 4 hours, your voice is so therapeutic

[@blueribbon608]

Mitski’s analysis is so thoughtful, it shows how not only lyrics but also every note, every melody has a part into the story she wants to tell, it’s as if everything speaks in her music.

[@nattap.6201]

Mitski is a genius, honestly. Her lyrics, her music, they all have something more behind them. It's amazing.

[@lilyhutchinson163]

I would absolutely love if mitski had a video description like this for every song she’s ever written omg!!

[@staranduniverse957]

I think the sameee 💖

[@felipegomez1553]

I WOULD WATCH EM ALL

[@muvhusiningimmbara]

0:27 imagine not wanting to hear Mitski speak. Couldn't be human

[@BAMIAM__]

Mitski, i’m so excited to listen to this album, and i’m super excited to hear how you wrote this! You always find a way to make listeners feel like, so sad, but also so happy?? It’s super cool to see how you do it. Fist bump to you, Mitski 👊

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...

[@Lilith_The_Earthling]

Her songs make me feel sad because I'm getting into the mood of the song and contemplating the sort of feeling it's depicting. But they also make me happy because of how good they are, how well crafted and well thought of everything is. Also because of how she portrays feelings in ways that I hadn't thought of before.

[@watertribeskye]

Not a musician, but as a writer and visual artist, this was FASCINATING. Mitski is a brilliant artist and I'd watch a million more videos like this from her. Also she has the most beautiful, kind, gentle energy to her

[@jesicatns]

I appreciate this video and how calm Mitski is while explaining with emotion what she felt and deeply thought while writing and throughout the song. I watched all of it and I am very happy to hear the author’s point of view. It’s a beautiful song and I am pleasantly impressed by it, I am patiently waiting for the album to come out.

[@valentinecore]

as a music student and longtime mitski appreciator (ESPECIALLY of how unique her sound is and the careful artistic choices she makes) this is exactly what i needed!!!!

[@tulpa_inmycloset]

I wish there were more song analysis-es from artists!! I always want so badly to know exactly which/how emotions and thoughts stir into artworks. Your thought process is so calculated and beautiful, I cant believe you feel the need to apologize for sharing❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Kirbybaby]

the FAMILY part made me uncontrollably cry so good job mitski you did well 🥲

[@adictoals3cso]

I would love if she did this with more of her songs. She's such a talented songwriter, paying attention to every little detail. Mitski love you since forever

[@margaret7407]

"You know I love jumpscares in my songs." Looking at you, Geyser.

[@Scarfirewolf]

Listening to the meaning behind this and knowing the experience of addiction, I love this and thank you for sharing. Its absolutely beautiful and I love that you're enjoying your music! You put so much work into it

[@sugarcub3z]

i'm so glad mitski invented singing. she's so real for that.

[@dotnothing5620]

I know you don't always want to have to make us cry, but the first burst of the choir that you are so rightly proud of, made me gasp and cry and feel so much immediately. Amazing job.

[@veronicaguinto7966]

music is literature, and literature is music. my jaw just kept on dropping mitski you ineffable genius zeroing in on the bug like an angel to visualize an empty glass? the sticker on the floor to express out-of-control despondency? repeating the chord progression to simulate addiction? the optimism-pessimism of the ending? keep doing this please. i would binge videos like this all day. it’s just an honor to be able to share your process with you. my GOD mitski i’m in awe

[@Keira_12-d2q]

This is amazing I love how mitski is so thoughtful of her fans and what to express the ideas and meanings behind her music I haven't seen another artist do that especially for 13 minutes I love you mitski

[@Thursdaygirl1]

The part where she explained the sticker line made me tear up💔💔i understand the exact pain she’s talking about

[@GreenMagicMachine]

This is everything I've wanted! Getting a peek behind the curtain of Mitski's art is a blessing for an fan like me who is also a writer and a visual artist

[@nevoaraiaa]

I love her explaining what she meant the line "like your sticker is stuck on a floor" because when I heard it I immediately thought of those little produce stickers on apples and stuff that are always stuck all over the floors of the local Kroger or something and I thought that was so specific

[@-dykttatuob-]

i love how she puts so much thought into everything: making little easter eggs for herself as well as multiple interpretations to her song lyrics, making music special and unique to every listener as well as herself! thank you for taking the time to educate us about how you made the song, mitski :) i loved it! ❤

[@iremnee]

I love it when artists explain their art. Like you didn't had to, you could just leave it to listeners imagination to make up their own meaning for the song (which happens regardless and it's a beautiful thing) but you still had the kindness to let them know where every word came from with their meanings. I appreciate this video so much ♥

[@aaronhour]

To be able to hear Mitski talk about songwriting in detail is so amazing. I’m grateful she has taken the time to explain her process on this song in detail❤️. Her music has inspired me and my own songwriting for years

[@isaacboyd3614]

Mitski would be the most amazing music teacher I fully believe that if i was in her class i would instantly be able to play a piano.

[@americohernandez8329]

She puts so much effort, it's so amazing how she makes worlds out of songs that are like 3 minute long 😭😭😭😭🫶🫶🫶

[@token8390]

She reminds me a lot of the kind teachers I had when I was little on the first school I went to. You can see how her personality changes and grows with each album. She feels so wise is the best way I can explain it.

[@HyrumLentz]

Admittedly, this song made me cry harder than anything ever has. As a songwriter, nothing would make me happier than writing something that has even a fraction of the effect on someone that this had on me. In other words, if I could know the ins and outs of any song in this world, it would be this one. Needless to say, I am incredibly grateful for this video. Thank you, Mitski. For everything.

[@moon_watcher]

this feels like a talk with a friend, i love it

[@raphno2]

i can sense the love mitski's showing the world in her forthcoming album tliiasaw, its truly amazing to hear how she wrote this song and her thoughts behind it. mitski ilysm

[@rorymcfarlane223]

“This might get a little nerdy talking about chord progressions and lyrical choices” If you decided to put out a whole series of song breakdowns like this, I would devour each one. Love your music, plus I’m a huge nerd about music myself so this is right up my alley

[@kiannarose4542]

I would watch a video like this for literally every one of your songs. What a privilege, peering behind the curtain and being brought along through your creative process. So thank you! I think you'll find that many of us that have an appreciation for your songs are music nerds as well 🤓

[@VictorKholod]

please PLEASE PLEASE PLASE MORE COTNENT LIKE THIS I WOULD WATCH HER DO THIS FOR ALL HER SONGS DEAR GOD ❤❤❤

[@Lix_floo777]

Su voz me causa mucha calma :'3

[@nataliaalvarado5997]

Like her music, is divine

[@matthewchallis8094]

Thank you for this.... As someone who has suffered with a alcohol addiction for 15 years or more this song literally made me cry. Not really for sad reasons or through self pity just your lyrics and your truly beautiful voice. Reminds me of the handsome families 'so much wine' for that reason,although the two songs are very different. I adore this song.... I first heard it in the uk on bbc radio6 at about 5am last week and i knew within a minute i had stumbled upon a thing of real beauty. I look forward to checking out and hearing your other work. Much love and thanx. 😊

[@momomelon8380]

❤

[@TheDreRock]

this is so amazing

[@sillygoofy33]

the thoughtfulness behind mitski's music is next level. this is so coooooool !!!!!

[@alexiaa_a]

I have an interpretation of this song. At the start mitski says "theres a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom of my glass with a little bit left" And the song is about addiction. Where she says "sometimes a drink feels like family". From this we can only understand that its about alcohol addiction. As the song goes on,we can hear Mitski saying something about God and the devil. This makes me go back to the first part of the song about the "bug like an angel stuck to the bottom of my glass". Imagine. Like the title says "bug like an angel" this makes me think that God sent an angel disguised as a bug to stop the person from drinking because,who would drink if there was a bug in your drink? God wants to stop this addiction by sending help but in a subtle way. Amazing song and if you listen closely to the lyrics..its not just a song. Its a masterpiece with a deep meaning behind. I love you Mitski❤😞🫶🏼

[@oskarbigus937]

Mitski never disappoints the meaning and the thought that went into this one song is amazing

[@ItsAtlas6]

i could honestly sit here and listen to every detail for hours, this adds so much more to the already amazing song. i’m looking forward to the rest of the album

[@diotheme]

the only songwriting class you'll ever need

[@token8390]

I dont even think I myself understand how much I love Mitski. Just listening to her talk about anything just makes me so happy it brings tears to my eyes. Shes just like light in this world she feels like a soft glow you cant help but admire. Since shes very private I would have never expected this kind of relaxed unedited content from her but this is such a delightful treat that we got a few of these videos paired with the single. I am praying and hoping to god that she makes a few more of these because it made me realize I just dont like her music but Mitski herself is just such an amazing vibrant person. This video feels like I got an extra song in the album and I will honestly cherish it forever.

[@meekdynasty]

I would pay money to take classes from you this is so wonderful

[@em_em06]

I love that this was a long video explaining the song I wish she’d do this for some of her other songs

[@augustwilson9633]

This woman brings me so much joy

[@purpl._.]

this is GOLD for young songwriters, musicians and everybody interested in music and your craft, thank you so much !

[@bladees_gf]

She's so intelligent I'll forever be grateful for encountering you and your music

[@cherrymiya246]

mistki never fails to amaze me through her songs. i love her and the songs so much, its a feeling so close no one gets it. i seem to be the first commenter so i have no one to share this with, but just reply to this bc id die to have someone to talk about her songs with..

[@ppinksun]

god i love learning about peoples artistic processes, i would watch one of these for every one of mitskis songs its so interesting to hear

[@ciarm4735]

absolutely loved this, I don't think I'm the only one when I say I'd listen to a whole 10 hour long documentary dedicated to your song writing process, if not, a longer one!! it's so unique and intricate and beautiful. Thank you for sharing

[@vyou1]

getting a detailed breakdown abt ur thought process while writing is actually everything ive ever wanted. im so astounded. thank you truly im so grateful

[@chorvs2874]

Mitski you' re a goddamn genius. I love that she put this video out there, as a songwriter I really love debunking songs (especially emotioinal ones with big meanings like this one), and I really apprechiate her posting this, it really helps me in my personal, and musical journey the song is amazing, keep doing what you do ❤

[@forcefedsoup]

this line- “I try to remember the wrath of the devil Was also given him by God” i really interpreted it as “this pain and wrath, along with my addiction to drinking, was also passed down to me by my creator” meaning my mother and father passed along not only the addiction but the pain and also the anger i feel towards them for it, as im sure they felt towards their parents. generational trauma and addiction, especially with the lines about how a drink feels like family really set up this interpretation for me at least. i think its so interesting that my first gut interpretation of the last line could be so different from the original intention!! beautiful insightful lyricism does that. wonderful wonderful as always. cannot wait for the rest of the album.

[@shilohevee]

i love your dedication to show us your work behind your work!!! i love your way you interpret heavy subjects into such beautiful songs. i love you mitski

[@sharkya1006]

thank you for doing this !! have been listening to this playing it singing it and pulling it apart since i heard it - i interpreted the line about the sticker as some artists merch sticker being stuck to the floor and walked over but i love the actual meaning so much more

[@Annie_Shy]

Commenting after watching the full video to add my voice to the choir and say I definitely got something from this, love hearing your thoughtful breakdown and I think that the artists intention and audiences interpretation of a song can coexist peacefully with each other ❤

[@washinqmachin3heart]

I could listen to you explaining your songs forever🫶

[@EyeDigress]

What a gift. We should be so lucky to have you do this for any of your other songs!!

[@danrb1978]

This was great, I tend to put myself in the head of songwriters who I like, and imagine why they picked the chord progressions and/or lyrics that they did, but then I walk away thinking I'm crazy and they probably didn't intend any of that. It's so nice to have a direct explanation, it soothes my inner music geek... Thank you Mitski, for this video and for the new song!

[@Leonardo-ht5jk]

The hi at the start! So cute

[@robertcarolinar]

Gracias Mitski por esto, realmente lo aprecio mucho y me parece super interesante. La cantidad de tiempo que paso leyendo sobre explicaciones que dio el artista sobre su canción, tanto musicalmente como sobre sus letras, me encanta ver entrevistas en la que nombran sus influencias para x álbum y escuchar todo un álbum al menos de ese artista que mencionan para aunque sea poder hacerme una mínima idea de qué estaba pensando cuando hizo esa canción o simplemente descubrir otro artista a través de ellos, etc. etc. Gracias, gracias, gracias! Espero más videos en este estilo. 😁 ❤

[@mA-nd1xr]

It's so nice to listen to mitski in general and even more when she's talking about the song I love. Personally I interpret the "hey what's the matter" line as the protagonist looking at their reflection in the glass and attempting to comfort themselves

[@faeriemss]

Mitski you are my top inspiration. You're an absolute legend. My favorite artist forever

[@rinszn9023]

she doesn’t like when people call her mother

[@faeriemss]

@rinszn9023 ohhh okay! Thanks for telling me :}

[@Krby14]

I love you Mitski

[@imben7504]

"esto ya se está haciendo largo" mitski, me pasaria las 24 horas del dia de escuchar el significado detrás de todo lo que has hecho.

[@archiera]

When I saw this video I clicked on it immediately. Won’t lie, I googled the meaning of several songs by Mitski. And it’s nothing in comparison to what she really puts into her songs. I would watch every video Mitski posts explaining her songs and music. Because I love them and I want to know more about them, since it makes me even closer to these songs. I wanted to point at the moments that I like the most about Bug Like an Angel, but in this case I would just quote the whole song. I love it. Thank you.

[@t4y10r8]

1. You're voice is so clear and calm and kind I'll probably watch this video over like a thousand times when I just need a break from the world and I wanna thank you in advance for helping me find an escape when life feels like too much. (Not just with this video, with everything that you put out into the world) Thank you. 2. This song is so beautiful I love everything about it. You're such an amazing songwriter and singer and I absolutely cannot wait for this album I'm so excited!! 3. I love how you leave songs up for listener interpretation. There can be thousands of meanings to songs and every one is different and special, that's one of my favorite things about art. I think my interpretation to the lines with God and the Devil would be how, like you said, the protagonist is at rock bottom and they realize that God punished the Devil like God is punishing them now, but he also forgives. So the protagonist now knows that at some point the suffering will stop, and I like to imagine the beauty of the last bit of the song as hope of forgiveness from the protagonist. That might not make sense to anyone but me, but I enjoy being a little nerdy about songwriting. 4. If it means anything to you, I wanted to let you know your music helps me get through the day sometimes, and I admire you so much. Thank you for that

[@Mezzy..]

I love her so much

[@w6rstest]

im so happy that you took your time to explain to us the meaning and everything that is behing this beautiful and gorgeous song. the chorus jumpscare, it was something so shocking, I wasn't waiting for this, and at the same time, my jaw dropped, and I almost cried because of how beautiful it was. I'm really happy, I'm really proud and I'm very anxious about the album that's coming, love you. Thank you for so much, and I'm sorry for so little.

[@bxphomette07]

I always LOVE hearing what the songwriter actually meant with the song because whenever I interpret it without knowing what the songwriter meant i always feel like I’m dead wrong 😭😭😭

[@paulmcadamsduke]

mitski thank you for this 😭 like everyone else in the comments has said, it would be the biggest treat to hear you talk about literally every song you created! thank you for letting us in to the process behind the art that means soooo much to so many of us. your creativity and voice is everything

[@morimrow]

i love you so much mitski

[@ZoraSingsohh]

I can listen to her talk all day. Mitski thanks for helping so many people with your music it’s true art. This upcoming album is gonna be amazing I can tell❤

[@atiwatixx]

Trust me. When I first listened this song I was listening to it the second it came out. When I heard the choir sing “family” my heart dropped and I instantly cried. It felt so strong it was beautiful. I love you mitski

[@Laurelbrow]

Same experience, instantly burst into tears ❤ haha

[@atiwatixx]

@@Laurelbrow trueee it was so beautiful to listen to it was so soothing and relaxing yet so heartbreaking

[@4frank1e]

amazing song mitski, thank you for sharing this video! can’t wait for more of your awesome work, also hoping you go on tour and come to texas!!

[@fernanda2949]

I LOVE YOU MITSKI

[@quinnivyk1859]

Wow- loved seeing the process behind the song. The chord choices were really interesting to learn about as well as the intentions behind the lyrics. I really appreciate these kinds of videos, especially as a songwriter! You are so inspiring. Can’t wait to see what else you create! 🎶💓

[@rinlinotakuarmy7897]

Mitski, I wholeheartedly wish you were my mentor! I loved every moment of this explanation and it felt like a couple of seconds because of how enjoyable this video was!

[@TroyDarling]

I played the song on repeat for like an hour when it released because it hit me so hard. I love that you’re willing to share your process here.

[@dimitra_k]

I adore the imagery of this song and the sudden vocals in FAMILY they really do feel divine

[@coqcats]

Es un tema tan angelical gracias Mitski por tan bello tema ❤️

[@mariamachuca3993]

The fact that she shared this means so much. I love writing music and I love her music!!!! ❤

[@Andr.3eax]

You should definitely make more vids like this. I love it so much. Helps people understand the song sm better❤❤

[@Mabot420]

This world is so odd and beautifully chaotically. I don't even remember how I got to Mitski for the first time, but it has been years and I keep finding wonderful emergencies in the smallest of details of songs listened to hundreds of times. Mitski's blunt, straight to the heart, vulnerability has gifted me little bites to aid in understanding the shape of some feelings. Just, thank you.

[@jorb1903]

Late but this is beautiful

[@Zen-rw4bm]

You're amazing, thank you for sharing this with us :)

[@namantherockstar]

Mitski inspires me.. My parents said if i get 35K followers They'd buy me a professional camera for recording..begging u guys , literally Begging...