The song "Missteria" by Gotthard explores themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and the desire for validation. The lyrics address the protagonist's relationship with their own reflection in the mirror, symbolizing their struggle with self-acceptance and their quest for beauty. The song opens with the protagonist questioning why the mirror is "so unkind" and expressing their desire for the mirror to acknowledge their beauty or pretend to be blind to their flaws. This reflects a common human desire to be seen and appreciated for one's appearance. The chorus repeats the word "Missteria," which is a play on the word "hysteria." It represents the protagonist's state of mind, characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and self-consciousness. The repetition of this word reinforces the intensity of the emotions they are experiencing. As the song progresses, the protagonist wonders if their reflection in the mirror is a dream or a true representation of themselves. They consider cleaning the mirror as a way to improve their self-image, hoping to be confirmed as "the one" who is worthy and beautiful. Throughout the song, the protagonist is torn between falling and flying, symbolizing their struggle between insecurity and confidence. They express disbelief at their repetitive pattern of falling, but also declare their determination to get it together and overcome their insecurities by flying. The idea of crawling emphasizes their current state of vulnerability and lack of confidence. In the latter part of the song, the protagonist addresses the mirror again, criticizing its broken and unflattering appearance. They mention the metaphorical "seven years" they will pay for their dissatisfaction, possibly referring to the superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. The song concludes with the protagonist reiterating their determination to overcome their insecurities and stop crawling. They emphasize that there is only one name they keep on calling, suggesting they are seeking validation from themselves or from someone specific. Overall, "Missteria" is a song that delves into the inner turmoil and self-doubt many individuals experience in their quest for self-acceptance and validation. It explores the desire for beauty and the struggle to overcome insecurities, ultimately conveying a message of resilience and the need for self-empowerment.
