​how to dress as human

Song Meaning

The lyrics grapple with the uncertainty and anxiety of presenting oneself in a way that feels authentic and accepted. The narrator questions "How to dress as human?" and immediately contrasts conventional feminine attire like "a skirt and like, some heels" with a feeling of looking "stupid." This suggests a disconnect between societal expectations of gender presentation and the narrator's internal experience, leading to a desire to retreat: "I should stay home / Why did I make plans?" The central tension lies in the struggle to "pass" and the feeling of inherent failure. The repeated refrain "I'm never gonna pass" underscores a deep-seated insecurity. This is amplified in the chorus, set in a "Drunk in the bathroom," a private space for self-scrutiny. The narrator's physical discomfort and perceived imperfections ("hair in my tights / And nothing in my shirt") highlight a feeling of not measuring up, even in private. The most striking lyrical device is the question about painted lips: "If I paint on some lips / Will they come off with a kiss and tell?" This metaphor powerfully captures the fear of artificiality and the potential for exposure or judgment. It implies that any attempt to construct a "human" or conventionally attractive appearance might be temporary, superficial, and ultimately revealed as performative, leading to further shame or gossip. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a raw vulnerability around identity and presentation. The repeated anxieties about not passing and the desire to withdraw create a palpable sense of unease. The specific, almost mundane details of discomfort – hair in tights, an empty shirt – ground the abstract feeling of not belonging in a relatable, physical reality, making the narrator's internal struggle feel immediate and intensely personal.