Released: 2022
In Rina Sawayama’s “Frankenstein”, the singer navigates through the complex territory of inner turmoil and emotional reconstruction. Choosing the metaphor of Frankenstein, an infamous literary character associated with monstrousness and piecemeal construction, Sawayama challenges notions around personal recovery and self-acceptance.
The song begins with, “Put me together, thread a needle / So I’m like other people without all of the evil”, and right away, we are plunged into the depths of her need for reconstruction. She seeks a transformation that will make her like other people, essentially hoping to be rid of some inherent ‘evil’ or negativity she feels within. This could signify her struggle with her self-image, perhaps hinting at mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which often involve feelings of worthlessness or a desire to be fundamentally different.
“I’m trying to be normal, but trauma is immortal / And none of this is your fault” – these lines shed further light on her battle. The ‘immortal trauma’ may be in reference to past experiences that have left her scarred. The mention that this is not someone else’s fault suggests she is engaged in a conversation with someone close to her, who she doesn’t blame for her psychological distress.
“I don’t wanna be a monster anymore” is a critical refrain throughout the song suggesting a previous state of existence that the singer is desperate to renounce. The term ‘monster’ could be indicative of her feeling alienated or different from others due to her internal struggles.
The line “Destruction, 999, I need your help” is a powerful proclamation of desperation, clearly demonstrating the extent of her inner turmoil. 999 is the emergency number in the UK (equivalent to 911 in America), accentuating the urgency and severity of her situation.
Finally, the chorus, “Put me together one more time / Love me forever, fix me right / I could be your Frankenstein”, speaks to the crux of the song. This longing to be repaired, to be loved, and the willingness to become someone else’s creation just to escape her current state, parallels with the creation of Frankenstein’s monster in literature. It is a potent symbol of her desperation for change and acceptance, despite the unnatural and potentially dehumanizing aspects of the transformation.
Through “Frankenstein”, Rina Sawayama builds a vulnerable, poignant narrative around internal struggles and the quest for self-improvement. It’s a lyrical journey that resonates deeply with those echoes of self-doubt and a plea for acceptance we all have tucked somewhere within.
