Mitski, the acclaimed indie singer-songwriter, experienced an unexpected surge in popularity thanks to TikTok, proving the platform’s power to catapult artists into the mainstream. Known for her emotionally resonant music and poignant lyrics, Mitski’s songs have found a new audience on the short-form video platform, leading to viral trends and a dedicated online fanbase dubbed “Mitskitok.”
But how did Mitski, an artist known for her complex and often melancholic music, become a TikTok phenomenon? Let’s explore the Mitski songs that have taken TikTok by storm and the trends that propelled them to viral status.
Mitski’s TikTok Anthem: “Nobody”
From her critically acclaimed album Be The Cowboy (2018), “Nobody” emerged as a quintessential sad banger and a major TikTok trend. The song’s infectious disco beat and the repetitive, yearning chorus – “nobody, nobody, nobody” – resonated deeply with TikTok users.
This track became the soundtrack for videos showcasing “icks” or anything users wished to avoid. The trend, while seemingly detached from the song’s deeper meaning of loneliness and isolation, highlighted the catchy chorus and made “Nobody” instantly recognizable on the platform. Though the initial “ick” trend has subsided, “Nobody” remains a popular sound on TikTok, frequently used in various contexts.
“Washing Machine Heart”: Relatability and Fictional Crushes
Another gem from Be The Cowboy, “Washing Machine Heart,” also gained traction on TikTok around 2021. The poignant line, “I know who you pretend I am,” became the focal point of a trend exploring themes of misrepresentation and idealized perceptions in relationships.
Users utilized the sound to depict scenarios ranging from projecting fictional character traits onto partners to acknowledging the gap between their true selves and how they are perceived by others. This trend tapped into the relatable experience of feeling misunderstood, further amplifying the song’s emotional impact and solidifying its place in TikTok culture.
Cottagecore Dreams with “Strawberry Blond”
Shifting gears to a more wholesome trend, “Strawberry Blond” from Retired From Sad, New Career in Business (2013) became synonymous with the cottagecore aesthetic on TikTok. Fueled by the desire for pastoral escapism, users embraced a modified lyric: “look at you strawberry cow.”
This playful twist sparked a wave of creative content featuring strawberry cow imagery, cottagecore-inspired visuals, and even animal-themed remixes of the song. “Strawberry Blond” offered a lighter, more whimsical entry point into Mitski’s discography, attracting a different segment of TikTok users and showcasing the versatility of her music. Notably, this trend marked Mitski’s first viral moment on the platform, demonstrating the early potential of her music to resonate within the TikTok landscape.
“First Love/Late Spring”: The Art of Unrequited Feelings
Taking us back to Bury Me At Makeout Creek (2014), “First Love/Late Spring” experienced a TikTok resurgence last summer. The chorus lyric, “please don’t say you love me,” became the centerpiece of a trend centered around awkward or unwanted romantic advances.
Typically set against a backdrop of escalating tension or uncomfortable situations, the trend culminated in the punchline delivered by the aforementioned lyric. Despite its repetitive nature, the trend effectively utilized the song’s narrative arc and showcased Mitski’s storytelling prowess. The trend even spawned a scrapbook-style filter, further integrating the song into the TikTok visual vernacular.
“I Bet on Losing Dogs”: A Budding Trend
While not as widespread as other Mitski TikTok trends, “I Bet on Losing Dogs” from Puberty 2 (2016) is steadily gaining recognition on the platform. The opening lines, “my baby, you’re my baby,” have captured the attention of users, hinting at a developing trend.
The song’s smoky, melancholic atmosphere aligns with Mitski’s signature sound, and its emergence on TikTok suggests a broadening appreciation for the deeper cuts within her discography. While not yet a full-blown meme, “I Bet on Losing Dogs” demonstrates the ongoing discovery of Mitski’s music by TikTok audiences.
“Your Best American Girl”: Cultural Resonance Beyond Trends
Also from Puberty 2, “Your Best American Girl” transcends typical TikTok trends, holding a significant place in broader cultural conversations. Despite its critical acclaim and cultural impact, its TikTok presence is arguably less trend-driven compared to other Mitski songs.
The line, “I’m not the moon; I’m not even a star,” became prominent in videos addressing issues of race and colorism. While the song’s usage on TikTok is diverse, this particular application highlights the song’s capacity to resonate with complex social issues, extending its impact beyond fleeting internet trends.
“Should’ve Been Me”: The Unexpected Mario Kart Connection
While its TikTok virality is still debated, “Should’ve Been Me,” also from Puberty 2, has drawn comparisons to Mario Kart music among platform users. This unexpected association, though humorous, underscores the diverse interpretations and connections users forge with music on TikTok.
Whether or not “Should’ve Been Me” achieves full TikTok trend status remains to be seen, but its mention within online discussions highlights the platform’s unpredictable nature and its capacity to generate unique interpretations of music.
Mitski’s journey on TikTok exemplifies the platform’s transformative influence on music discovery and artist visibility. Her songs, initially created for a different context, have found new life and meaning within the TikTok ecosystem, connecting with a wider audience and solidifying her status as a culturally relevant artist in the digital age. The trends associated with her music, ranging from humorous to deeply emotional, demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which users engage with and reinterpret songs on TikTok, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of popular music.
