Song meaning of TUNNEL VISION by Melanie Martinez

"Tunnel Vision" by Melanie Martinez is a song that delves into themes of self-empowerment, manipulation, and the dangers of being consumed by superficial desires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is aware of their own allure and the power they hold over others. The song opens with the invitation to follow the tunnel into the portal, symbolizing a journey into the depths of one's desires and the consequences that may come with it.

In the first verse, Melanie Martinez showcases her ability to captivate and manipulate those around her. She acknowledges that people are drawn to her, but she sets clear boundaries, asserting that she is not just anyone to be taken advantage of. The haze and hypnotic state described in the lyrics represent the allure and fascination she holds over others. However, she urges them to stop searching for something that they cannot possess.

The pre-chorus highlights the protagonist's awareness of the superficiality of others' desires. She compares herself to a cherry and a pie, suggesting that people often believe the surface-level attraction will be more satisfying than the deeper connection. However, she sees through their intentions and recognizes that their rush to possess her is ultimately their downfall.

The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's frustration with being objectified and underestimated. She rejects the notion of being reduced to mere honeysuckle and fresh meat, asserting that she is more than just a physical object of desire. The line "playing house to distract me" suggests that others may try to manipulate her by pretending to be something they are not, but she sees through their facade. She knows what they are truly after and refuses to be deceived.

In the second verse, the protagonist exposes the futile attempts of others to win her over. She sees through their manipulative tactics and revels in their failures. The line "I make them tumble down the hill they climbed" signifies her ability to bring them down from their pedestal and expose their true intentions. She refuses to be swayed by their empty promises and sees their attempts to win her over as nothing more than a failed trick.

The song concludes with the outro, where the protagonist asserts her worth and independence. She would rather die than be reduced to a mere object of someone's obsession. The line "show me how far obsession goes, could've been more, now we'll never know" suggests that she is uninterested in being someone's fleeting infatuation and desires a deeper connection that goes beyond superficial desires.

Overall, "Tunnel Vision" by Melanie Martinez is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and a warning against being consumed by shallow desires. It encourages listeners to recognize their own worth and not settle for being objectified or manipulated by others.