Phoebe Bridgers is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer originally from Los Angeles, California. She made her debut with her album Stranger in the Alps in 2017, followed by her 2020 album Punisher. Punisher earned critical acclaim and four Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist.
In my opinion, both of her albums are phenomenal. However, since it will be Halloween soon, I thought it would be fun to discuss her song :Halloween” from her album Punisher. “Halloween” is a very intimate song, the guitar, strings, and faint wailing noises create a night-like sound that comes off haunting yet floaty. The song follows a story of how it is Halloween and “we can be anything”. This statement is sung in such a melancholic manner even though the idea of becoming anything is freeing.
Baby, it’s Halloween
And we can be anything
Oh, come on, man
We can be anything.
Throughout the song, there is this push and pull with lyrics where mention how Halloween offers a chance for illusion, but because of this opportunity it is harder, to be honest with ourselves and just be who we are and say what we really want to say. Whenever I hear this song, I think it tells the story of two people who are in a rut. There is still something between them, but instead of them being honest about how they feel, they use Halloween to reveal only what they want. Halloween is where people dress up and become anything. The statement about how she can count on the person they are with, to tell the truth when they are wearing a mask is dreadful.
Sick of the questions I keep asking you
They make you live in the past
But I can count on you to tell me the truth
When you’ve been drinking, and you’re wearing a mask.
The fact that this couple counts on finding truth from one another during a day of make-believe, I think presents the idea that perhaps when people have the option to hide in plain sight, they can show more of their true self, because there is already so many different costumes and masks that nobody would know if you were being real or not.
Ultimately this song reflects on how a time like Halloween, where illusion and make-believe are so prevalent there is an opportunity to truly be who you want. Whether it is your true self or not because perhaps nobody would know the difference.