Intro: Moses Sumney & Analyzing Modern Love
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern love, singer-songwriter Moses Sumney’s “Polly” strikes a poignant chord, particularly for Gen Z and Millennials navigating the complexities of situationships and polyamory. Albeit, released in 2019, the song delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited affection within a non-monogamous dynamic, offering a relatable narrative for those questioning their place in a love that feels boundless for one partner, but limited for the other.
To begin, I was first introduced to Moses Sumney in college by my best friend and fellow music lover. After weeks and weeks of him suggesting I listen to his debut album, Aromanticism (read about more here). I decided to see what the hype was about. Initially reluctant, I finally listened to Moses Sumney and was mesmerized by his blend of lyrical depth and artful tracks.
Furthermore, Moses Sumney’s song “Polly,” from his 2020 album “græ, Part 1,” is a deeply introspective piece that explores themes of loneliness, uncertainty in love, and self-worth. Straying away from the notions of his prior album, Aromanticism,(having little or no romantic feeling toward others : experiencing little or no romantic desire or attraction) . “Polly” gets deep into the woes of romance in the modern era. The lyrics present a complex interplay of emotions and vivid imagery, highlighting the struggle for recognition and validation in a “relationship”. I find it hard to call what he sings about a true relationship in “Polly” when we take a closer look at the lyrics.
Moses Sumney’s Polly
Verse 1:
“You remain in motion / Bottom of the ocean / Not yet sick of sycophants / Tellin’ you their true lies / Like, ‘No moon is higher'”
- First, the song opens with the image of someone constantly on the move, unable to stay in one place. This suggests a restlessness or a lack of stability in the person Sumney is confiding in but also their relationship. There’s a contrast in compatibility between the two partners Moses and let’s call his partner for the sake of ease, Polly.
- Next, the “bottom of the ocean” evokes a sense of being submerged, overwhelmed, or isolated. While Moses Sumney’s partner Polly constantly seeks more, he feels profoundly alone and burdened by the solitude and lack of cooperation. The reference to “sycophants”, enablers and “true lies” indicates that this person, Polly, is surrounded by insincere flattery and deceit. Polly has plenty of psuedo-lovers to keep them occupied. This creates a false sense of reality of comfort for Polly. But they enjoy it.
Empty and Hollow:
“Hollow as a hallway / Your fist fits right through me”
- These lines convey a sense of emptiness and desensitization. The “hollow hallway” and the idea of a fist fitting through Moses Sumney suggest a lack of substance or solidity, emphasizing a feeling of being numb to emotional pain. It’s so easy to imagine a fist going right through Sumney’s chest as he croons about a feeling of lack.
“If I split my body into two men / Would you then love me better? / Octopus myself so you weather this”
- Here, Sumney explores the idea of altering himself to gain love and acceptance. Splitting into “two men” symbolizes the extreme lengths one might go to please another. Polly wants Sumney and many other lovers. Sumney clearly has issue with this. The “octopus” imagery suggests adaptability and the ability to stretch oneself thin, but it also hints at the unnatural and unsustainable nature of such efforts. Basically trying to give too much to someone giving too little.
Chorus:
“Sea, sea, sea Polly / Sea, sea, sea Polly /See, see, see, see me / You love dancin’ with me / Or you just love dancin’ / Polly, Polly, Polly”
- Additionally, the repetition of “sea” and “see” plays on the homophones to emphasize both the vastness of emotions and the desire to be truly seen and acknowledged. The question “You love dancin’ with me / Or you just love dancin'” reflects the uncertainty about the authenticity of the relationship—is the connection genuine, or is it merely about the act of dancing (being together) itself?
Verse 2:
“I don’t wanna live here / Sometimes don’t wanna live at all”
- Moreover, these lines express a profound sense of despair and dissatisfaction with the current state of existence.
“I want to be cotton candy In the mouth of many a lover / Saccharine and slick technicolor / I’ll dissolve / I know that won’t solve this (I want to dissolve)”
- Furthermore, Sumney uses the metaphor of cotton candy to describe a desire to be sweet, desirable, and fleeting. Like Polly. The wish to “dissolve” suggests an escape from the pain, even though he acknowledges that this dissolution won’t truly resolve the underlying issues.
“Evolve into rain and spit / You make me go unstitched”
- So the imagery of evolving into rain and spit implies a desire to transform into something fluid and intangible. The phrase “go unstitched” emphasizes vulnerability and instability by suggesting that something unravels or comes apart at the seams. This unpredictable and/or rather callous behavior of Polly literally is driving Sumney crazy.
Chorus Reprise:
“Are you dancin’ with me? Or just merely dancin’? / Polly, Polly, Polly”
- The reprise of the chorus questions the sincerity of the partner’s affection and commitment, reiterating the theme of uncertainty.
Bridge:
“One, two, three, four, five, six / Am I just your Friday dick / Cornucopia of just-in-cases / You’ll never have to chase this”
- Finally this section starkly addresses the feeling of being used or taken for granted. The count (“one, two, three, four, five, six”) and the term “Friday dick” imply being reduced to a convenience or a casual, routine encounter. The “cornucopia of just-in-cases” suggests being kept around as a backup, further highlighting the lack of genuine appreciation or effort from Polly.
“Woah, Polly, Polly / Obviously don’t think much of me / Polly, Polly, Polly, Polly, Polly ooh”
- The concluding lines reflect a resigned acknowledgment of the partner’s disregard for the speaker’s worth, reinforcing the theme of unreciprocated love and the struggle for self-worth.
Overall Interpretation:
In summary, “Polly” delves into the complexities of a relationship where Moses Sumney sings about how he feels undervalued and unappreciated. The vivid and often surreal imagery captures the emotional turbulence and the longing for validation and genuine connection. Sumney’s lyrical exploration of identity and self-worth resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of unrequited love or the frustration of being taken for granted. Through “Polly,” Sumney poignantly portrays the pain and vulnerability that accompany such experiences, while also highlighting the inner strength required to confront and navigate these emotional challenges.
You can interpret Moses Sumney’s “Polly” through the lens of contemporary relationships, especially within Gen Z and Millennial culture, situationships, and polyamory. These concepts are increasingly prevalent as younger generations redefine traditional relationship structures and explore new ways of connecting.
Gen Z and Millennial Culture:
First, both Gen Z and Millennials are known for their openness to exploring non-traditional relationships and questioning societal norms around love and commitment. These generations often prioritize personal growth, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in their relationships. In “Polly,” there’ a struggle with feeling undervalued and unappreciated that reflects the broader cultural shift towards seeking meaningful and genuine connections.
Situationships:
A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks clear definition or commitment. It features ambiguity and often involves emotional and physical intimacy without the labels or expectations of a traditional relationship. In “Polly,” Moses Sumney grapples with uncertainty and questions the authenticity of Polly’s affection:
“Are you dancin’ with me? / Or just merely dancin’?”
Similarly, this line encapsulates the essence of a situationship, where the speaker is unsure whether their partner truly cares for them or if they are merely enjoying the superficial aspects of being together. The repeated questioning and introspection throughout the song highlight the emotional turmoil and lack of clarity that often accompany situationships.
Polyamory:
Polyamory is the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent and knowledge of all parties involved. It emphasizes open communication, honesty, and the idea that love is not a finite resource. While “Polly” does not explicitly address polyamory, the themes of longing for validation and struggling with self-worth can resonate with those navigating complex emotional landscapes in polyamorous relationships:
“If I split my body into two men / Would you then love me better? / Octopus myself so you weather this”
These lines suggest a desire to be everything for a partner, even if it means stretching oneself thin or compromising one’s own needs. In the context of polyamory, this could reflect the challenges of balancing multiple relationships and the fear of not being enough for any one partner.
Modern Relationship Dynamics:
“Polly” touches on the modern dynamics of relationships where traditional boundaries and roles are constantly evolving. The song’s exploration of vulnerability, self-worth, and the quest for genuine connection speaks to the experiences of many in Gen Z and Millennial cohorts who are navigating these changing landscapes. The lines:
“I want to be cotton candy / In the mouth of many a lover / Saccharine and slick technicolor / I’ll dissolve”
Emotional Complexity:
The emotional complexity of “Polly” resonates with the experiences of younger generations who often prioritize emotional authenticity and mental health. The desire to “dissolve” reflects the mental health challenges many young people face today.
Conclusion:
Moses Sumney’s Polly offers an exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, in the context of Gen Z and Millennial culture, situationships, and polyamory. The song’s introspective lyrics and vivid imagery capture the emotional turbulence and longing for validation that characterize these experiences. By delving into themes of vulnerability, self-worth, and the quest for genuine connection, “Polly” resonates deeply with the evolving dynamics of contemporary love and relationships. Moses Sumney has a new album coming out this August. Thanks for reading, for more music writing check out PlanetDarris.