"Mercy" is a song by Hayley Kiyoko that explores themes of pain, vulnerability, and seeking comfort. The lyrics depict the singer feeling trapped in her own thoughts and emotions while the world around her sleeps. She calls out for mercy, yearning for relief from her suffering. The song expresses the desire to cry and release her pain, even resorting to banging her head as a way to escape her struggles. Kiyoko contemplates dyeing her hair as a form of self-expression and as a means to symbolize her resilience in the face of adversity. The line, "Mondays might be alright and Sundays will probably hurt," suggests that different days of the week bring different emotions. While Mondays may offer some respite, Sundays are often painful as she anticipates the noise and chaos of the outside world. In the background of the song, the sky gets brighter and the lights higher, which could symbolize a glimmer of hope and the potential for positive change. The second part of the song, "Gatekeeper," delves deeper into the concept of keeping quiet and not expressing one's true emotions. Kiyoko acknowledges that she feels the need for solitude and silence, simply observing life passing by. She feels the weight of societal expectations to always wear a smile, but deep down, she knows she needs quietness and hiding as her sources of comfort. Kiyoko expresses the importance of controlling her emotions, not allowing others to poison her feelings by keeping them concealed. She feels that by maintaining her privacy and not succumbing to the chaos and noise around her, she can protect her soul and achieve contentment. The repeated plea for mercy throughout the song emphasizes the singer's longing for relief and understanding. She recognizes that she is hurting and seeks compassion from those around her. As the song concludes, Kiyoko asks to not be left alone with her soul in the air and expresses a desire for someone to be there for her, indicating a need for support and understanding. Overall, "Mercy / Gatekeeper" showcases Hayley Kiyoko's exploration of pain, self-expression, and the search for solace within oneself while navigating the complexities of the world.
