"Mouth Log" by Sidney Gish is a song that delves into the themes of self-reflection, societal pressures, and the struggle to find one's identity in a digital age. The lyrics describe the protagonist's habit of documenting their daily life and experiences on their phone, including the food they eat and the people they kiss. This constant cataloging of their life has resulted in them losing weight and using their appearance as a means to attract attention, comparing themselves to sirens. The song also touches upon the protagonist's tendency to lose interest quickly and their dissatisfaction with various aspects of life such as classes, work, and doing nothing. They find themselves complaining frequently. The next part of the song addresses the protagonist's preference for engaging with negativity, such as hate machines, tabloid magazines, and online communities that thrive on conflict. They question whether their immersion in these toxic environments will eventually consume them. They humorously mention being only 3 percent non-hikikomori, which refers to the Japanese term for someone who withdraws from society, reflecting their reluctance to fully embrace isolation. In the final portion of the song, the protagonist describes their newfound sense of self-awareness. They paint a picture of a relaxed and cleaner version of themselves, taking care of their physical appearance and adopting healthier habits. However, they express frustration at the possibility that this might be their "real" self, implying that they may feel a disconnect between who they are and the image they present to the world through their actions. Overall, "Mouth Log" explores the internal struggle of conforming to societal expectations while simultaneously trying to navigate personal identity and authenticity in an age dominated by digital documentation and constant connectivity.
