Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine” achieved mainstream success, marking a departure from her earlier, more experimental work. This article explores the song’s meaning, musical structure, and unique tuning, addressing the question: What is “My Love Mine All Mine” really about?
The song’s simple structure, built on a repeating four-chord progression similar to Radiohead’s “Creep,” might seem “safe” compared to Mitski’s previous work. With just two verses and choruses in a little over two minutes, the song lacks a traditional middle eight or bridge. Mitski’s vocal delivery, reminiscent of Lana Del Rey, further contributes to the song’s conventional feel. However, a closer look reveals subtle complexities that elevate “My Love Mine All Mine” beyond mere simplicity.
The chorus features a doubled harmonic rhythm, distinguishing it from the verses. Layered backing vocals further enhance this differentiation. Subtle extensions of the IV chord at the end of each chorus add a touch of harmonic interest. Mitski’s vocal performance also incorporates intriguing nuances. Her occasional use of a flattened third, notably on the word “shine” at 0:22 and “mine” at 2:00, creates a compelling interplay between major and minor tonalities, reflecting the inherent ambiguity of the chord progression itself.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of “My Love Mine All Mine” is its unusual tuning. The song’s key seems to lie between A flat and A, raising questions about its recording process. Was it sped up from A flat, slowed down from A, or recorded at a quarter-tone pitch to accommodate an instrument with a non-standard tuning? Speculation suggests the song might have been sped up from A flat, based on an analysis of Mitski’s vocal formants. This unusual tuning choice, while potentially making it difficult for fans to play along, arguably contributes to the song’s distinctive sound. In a musical landscape dominated by A=440Hz tuning, the quarter-tone shift in “My Love Mine All Mine” sets it apart, potentially enhancing its memorability. This unique sonic characteristic might even contribute to the song’s commercial appeal.
“My Love Mine All Mine,” while seemingly straightforward, boasts subtle musical intricacies and a unique tuning that contribute to its distinctive character. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of the song’s construction and invites further exploration of its lyrical themes and cultural impact. While the song represents a departure from Mitski’s earlier, more experimental style, it retains a unique charm that resonates with listeners.
