Released: 2018
“Mistakes” by Tove Styrke is all about the relentless pull of an enchanting, bewitching attraction that feels so wrong yet so irresistible. It encapsulates that intoxicating connection that’s exhilarating, yet fraught with the potential for heartbreak. This is a classic theme of being drawn towards someone or something, even with the recognition that it might lead to hurt or ‘mistakes’.
In the opening line, “I should probably leave, right?”, Styrke expresses a universal dilemma of knowing the right thing to do yet feeling uncertain and tempted to do otherwise. The song introduces us to her irresistible attraction – something that’s “buzzin’ like a street light”. The metaphor here is dynamic, emitting a sense of vibrancy and energy that’s hard to ignore, much like the allure of her attraction.
As we move towards the line, “But can’t deny we got a real vibe”, we see a sort of surrender in which Styrke acknowledges the powerful chemistry she shares with this person. With each verse, she delves deeper into the allure, “Putting pictures on my brain,” implying the indelible imprint this person has on her thoughts.
The chorus, “You make me, you make me, you make me wanna make mistakes”, becomes an anthem of recklessness fueled by intense attraction. The innocence of the ‘mistake’ lies in its adventurous spirit. The taste of this bittersweet affair is, as she confesses, captivating. It’s worth noting that the ‘mistake’ here could represent any transgression in the name of attraction – from falling for the wrong person to letting a moment of passion override logic and reason.
The final verse, “I’ve been trying to take it slow, But you’re making it impossible”, is where Styrke capitulates entirely to this magnetic attraction. She admits that the pull is too powerful, and she finds herself unable to resist. The phrase “I just wanna… with you” is left deliberately open-ended, cementing the idea that she’s willing to disregard her better judgment just to be with this person.
“Mistakes” encapsulates the all-consuming force of attraction and the internal conflict it stirs. Tove Styrke masterfully portrays falling headfirst into temptation and romanticizes the potentially destructive, yet undeniably exhilarating, nature of such encounters.
