"Anything but Me": MUNA's Guide to Letting Go

By Julia Norkus

MUNA released their second single, “Anything but Me” from their upcoming third album on March 15, 2022, along with new fall tour dates.

Coming off of their tours with Phoebe Bridgers, Kacey Musgraves, and a few headlining shows this winter, MUNA is making a name for themselves in the indie rock scene. Composed of Katie Gavin (she/they), Josette Maskin (she/they), and Naomi McPherson (they/them), the trio has not only saved the world, but has created one of their own, with albums like Saves the World (2017), and About U (2018). They’ve combined lyrical genius with sprinkles of LGBTQ+ magic—creating a safe space for everyone to enjoy and revel in. 

The three met at the University of Southern California in 2013, and they have been creating songs for sobbing, dancing, and making out ever since. After the release of their single “Silk Chiffon” in September 2021, a song about being in love with a woman written by women and non-binary individuals, MUNA began to build a new community of listeners and  prove their capability as queer artists.

“Anything but Me” centers around toxic love, learning healthy boundaries, and knowing what you deserve in a relationship. The piece starts off with arguably the best line, “You’re gonna say that I’m on a high horse/I think that my horse is regular-sized/Did you ever think that, maybe, you’re on a pony/Going in circles on a carousel ride?” The metaphor of a horse and a carousel pony highlights the idea of being manipulated, and being made to feel that when you express how you feel that you’re just acting better than your partner. It tells the audience a story of a relationship involving someone with a fixed mindset, someone who expects everyone to bend for them and form to their mold, but gets offended when told that they did something to upset another person.

The song’s chorus continues on to talk about removing yourself from the relationship, “Well, I hope you get everything you need/Everything but me,” and, “But it’s all love and it’s no regrets, you can call me if/There’s anything you need.” MUNA is emphasizing that there is no ill-will towards the person or relationship they chose to leave behind. It reminds us of the idea of making the choices that are best in protecting our peace. As humans, we all put out a specific vibration, one that can be tampered with when we allow negativity to prevent us from growing and blossoming. Much like the example in “Anything but Me,” our vibrations can be lowered by stress and negativity, and MUNA emphasizes that it hurts, and it’s hard to leave someone behind, but your personal growth will always be the most important thing for you.

MUNA also strongly suggests the creation of boundaries after heartbreak with this song, this idea that, “Yes, I can be there for you, but I can’t be with you, please–anyone or anything but me.” It shares an intimate perspective on breaking up, of leaving something behind that no longer serves us. It reminds the audience that no matter what you might feel, no matter how you may miss someone, their energy is no longer there to serve you. It reminds us that we are deserving of positivity, of light, and that despite whatever “love” we were being given, it was not a true example of what healthy love might be. 

Musically, the combination of synths and something reminiscent of the guitar in any 80’s film creates a dichotomy between the energy and the feeling and what the lyrics are actually saying. It drives home the idea that when leaving behind situations that no longer serve us, yes, it’s liberating and exciting, much like the bright guitar included in the chorus, but it still is a heavy feeling leaving someone behind, indicated by the heavy drums remaining a constant reminder of that weight in the background of these bright musical accents. 

“Anything but Me” also reminds us that we get to determine who we share our space with, who we allow into our silly little world, and that they only receive an invite if they contribute to our peace, not disrupt it. So listen to “Anything but Me” and remind yourself that you always deserve safety, peace, and love.