Maya Hawke, known for her role as Robin Buckley in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has captivated audiences not only with her acting but also with her evocative music. Throughout her discography, a recurring mermaid motif weaves its way through her lyrics, offering a compelling lens through which to explore themes of queerness, self-discovery, and the search for belonging. This article delves into the evolution of this metaphor, analyzing key songs and lyrics to uncover the powerful message of acceptance and community Hawke conveys.
The Genesis of the Metaphor: “To Love a Boy”
Hawke’s debut album, Blush (2019), introduced the mermaid imagery in the poignant track “To Love a Boy.” The song’s lyrics express a yearning for a conventional love, juxtaposed with the fear and vulnerability of embracing one’s true self:
I want to love a boy the way I love the ocean
Wish I was not afraid of all I have that’s broken
I know I must behave to contain all my emotion
But I want to love a boy the way I love the ocean
This desire for a heteronormative relationship resonates with many queer individuals who have grappled with societal expectations and internalized homophobia. The bridge of the song further solidifies the connection to queer narratives, referencing the iconic line from Call Me By Your Name: “I ask why, it’s better to speak than it is to die.” This allusion adds another layer of complexity, suggesting the potential dangers of suppressing one’s true identity.
The accompanying music video strengthens the mermaid metaphor, portraying Hawke as a mermaid out of place in the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Her attempts to assimilate ultimately fail, culminating in her return to the ocean, a symbol of her true self.
Maya Hawke performing at The Colony in Woodstock, NY on Aug. 14, 2022. Photo by Esmé Warmuth.
Evolving Narratives: From Longing to Acceptance
While Hawke has never explicitly labeled her sexuality, she acknowledges the resonance her music has found within the LGBTQ+ community. This connection is further explored in her sophomore album, Moss (2022), where the mermaid metaphor takes on a new dimension.
Finding Sanctuary in “Mermaid Bar”
The closing track of Moss, “Mermaid Bar,” offers a powerful narrative of self-discovery and community building. The song begins with a stark depiction of despair and suicidal ideation, a theme tragically relevant to the heightened suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth:
There was no moon, black sky on the night
I jumped from the bridge toward the river
I swear, I saw silver starlight
On the water’s surface, a shimmer
However, instead of succumbing to despair, the narrative takes a surreal turn. The protagonist transforms into a mermaid, symbolizing the embrace of their true self. This transformation, initially marked by fear and confusion, ultimately leads to a sense of liberation and empowerment:
My lungs deflated, my fingers weaved
Ribs separated for gills to breathe
Ran my tongue over my sharp new teeth
Panicked, swimming, collapsed in the reeds
Taken with the current to the sea
Tied disrupting desperate dreams,
My belly empty, body weak
The line “tied disrupting desperate dreams” echoes the sentiment of “To Love a Boy,” acknowledging the disruption of heteronormative expectations. Yet, “Mermaid Bar” moves beyond longing and enters a realm of self-acceptance and community.
Maya Hawke performing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on March 13, 2023. Photo by Esmé Warmuth.
The narrator then establishes the “Sardine Dream Mermaid Bar,” a sanctuary for those who feel like outsiders:
I opened Sardine Dream Mermaid Bar
We serve most oysters and caviar
Leave your seashells in our tall tip jar
There are more like me, I swear there are
This “Mermaid Bar” can be interpreted as an allegory for queer spaces, offering refuge and a sense of belonging. The invitation extended to those who feel lost and alone underscores the importance of community in navigating the challenges of self-discovery and acceptance:
Come for scallops, come to hear our song
Come if you’re in awful, bad trouble
Come if you’re certain you don’t belong
Some that fall don’t land in bubbles
‘Cause some that fall don’t land in bubbles
This emphasis on community resonates deeply with the historical significance of queer spaces, providing safe havens and fostering chosen families.
Maya Hawke performing at The Colony in Woodstock, NY on Aug. 14, 2022. Photo by Esmé Warmuth.
The Power of Representation and Interpretation
“Mermaid Bar” offers a powerful counterpoint to the melancholic yearning of “To Love a Boy.” The shift from isolation to community signifies a journey of self-acceptance and the discovery of strength in shared experiences. While Hawke leaves the interpretation of her mermaid metaphor open to the listener, the resonance it has found within the queer community speaks volumes about the power of representation and the need for narratives that celebrate difference.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope and Belonging
Through her evocative lyrics and compelling imagery, Maya Hawke’s mermaid metaphor transcends simple symbolism. It becomes a powerful vehicle for exploring the complexities of queer identity, the search for belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her music offers a beacon of hope for those who feel like outsiders, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is strength and beauty in embracing their true selves.
FAQ
Q: Is Maya Hawke openly queer?
A: Maya Hawke has not publicly labeled her sexuality. However, she has expressed appreciation for her LGBTQ+ fans and acknowledged the queer themes present in her work.
Q: What inspired the mermaid metaphor in her music?
A: The specific inspiration behind the metaphor remains largely unexplored by Hawke herself. This allows for individual interpretation and connection with the themes presented.
Q: How does “Mermaid Bar” connect to the themes of “To Love a Boy”?
A: Both songs explore feelings of otherness and the desire for belonging. While “To Love a Boy” expresses a longing for conventional love, “Mermaid Bar” celebrates finding community and acceptance within a chosen family.
Q: What is the significance of the suicide imagery in “Mermaid Bar”?
A: The inclusion of suicide imagery highlights the struggles faced by many LGBTQ+ youth, who experience disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. The song’s narrative ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and community.
We encourage readers to share their interpretations and engage in further discussion about the powerful themes present in Maya Hawke’s music.
