"Itchy Teeth" by Marika Hackman is a song that explores themes of vulnerability, emotional pain, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics depict a person who has been hurt and left to recover alone, as symbolized by the image of licking wounds down to the bone. The protagonist describes themselves as having a calloused tongue, itchy teeth, a metal mouth, and rubber gums, implying that their ability to communicate and express themselves has become hindered or damaged. They feel unable to speak about their pain or reach out for help, possibly due to fear, shame, or the weight of their distress. In the chorus, the protagonist longs to be held and seeks solace and comfort in the presence of someone else. They compare this desire for connection to the quick blooming of flowers, emphasizing the immediacy and intensity of their need for support. The lyrics also allude to a previous relationship where the other person filled their voids and simultaneously caused new wounds. The mention of fingertips, red nails, and cutting words suggests a toxic dynamic where the other person both provided affection and inflicted harm. Despite their brokenness, the protagonist seeks to be patched up and to find healing. They express a sense of perseverance, wanting to be "eke[d] out" and made to last despite their current state. The metaphor of a broken ship with a sinking mast conveys their vulnerability and the need for someone to help repair and stabilize them. "Itchy Teeth" is a poignant song that captures the painful emotions experienced when one is left with the aftermath of a painful relationship but still yearning for love, understanding, and support.
