In this article, I’ll share a perspective from the song “Frankenstein” by Rina Sawayama and how it relates to us, how we perceive ourselves, and how we depend on others at some point in our lives to fix us. It’s going to be a rough interpretation and my comments at the end.
Read more: ‘Frankenstein’: A cry to be fixed by others
Frankenstein by Rina Sawayama
This is the 9th track from “Hold the Girl” album by the singer (some of the songs are also discussed previously, such as Phantom and Forgiveness). It talks about how we depend on others to fix and save us from becoming the monster that we might become. With this, it gives hope that people will love this version of us instead.
Rough Interpretations of Frankenstein
Verse one
Put me together, thread a needle
So I’m like other people, without all of the evil
I’m trying to be normal, but trauma is immortal
And none of this is your fault
In the opening line, it shows some of the reasons why it’s called “Frankenstein”. By threading a needle, it will create a beautiful and ‘good’ side of us, being like other people. At some point, I think we do feel like we’re worse, or a “monster” compared to other people. Hence, it’s better to ‘fix’ us to be more desirable. On the other hand, I think the last line is also an acknowledgment, saying it’s also not our fault for us to be a “monster”.
Pre-Chorus
Oh, my God, this is so unbearable
Make it stop, this is more than medical
All I want is to feel beautiful inside and out
You’re the one that can save me from myself
Destruction, 999, I need your help
All I want is to feel beautiful
Continuing to this line, it also covers the reasons for feeling like a monster. By being ourselves, it feels as though it’s not enough, the ‘evil’ is too much until it becomes unbearable. As a result, it’s better to let others to ‘fix’ ourselves. With the outside perspectives, then we will become or feel more beautiful. Also, notice how the ‘beautiful’ also means inside and out, persistent with the ‘evil’ mentioned before.
Chorus
Put me together one more time
Love me forever, fix me right
I can be your Frankenstein, Frankenstein
Put me together, make me better
Love me forever, hold me tight
I can be your Frankenstein, Frankenstein
Previously, it was about the reasons and how we perceive ourselves as bad, evil, or a monster. In this part, it’s the next step, tired with this version of ourselves. Resulting in calling out others for help. To fix us, ‘heal’ us, and love us. This line also hints at how we might feel lonely being this ‘bad’. Unlovable because of this version of ourselves, as we view ourselves as a ‘monster’.
Additionally, this chorus transitioned with “I don’t wanna be a monster anymore” a few times as a post-chorus. This shows the weariness of being a ‘monster’, to perceive ourselves as that. Even though at some point we acknowledge that it’s not our fault, sometimes it also could be tiresome. Thus, it’s better to rely on others to fix, heal, and love us. It’s also a continuation of verse one where we could be the same as other people, not evil, not a monster.
Verse two
I was doing fine
Till I hit rock bottom
Opened up my problems
Watch the poison blossom
Within this verse, it highlights the fact that at some point, we feel okay and not ‘bad’. Somehow, within time, there will be some trigger points that bring us down, opening up all the problems. Sometimes, that cycle can repeat itself. During that cycle, we might feel we’re a monster, impossible for others to love. Then, it goes back to the previous points where we search for others to heal and fix us instead with the pre-chorus, chorus, and post-chorus.
Comments on Frankenstein
I think sometimes it is inevitable to depend on others to fix us. At some point, it feels more reasonable and acceptable. However, I think we should also know ourselves first, because, from my perspective, not everyone might understand us as us. In addition, I think we should also accept ourselves first, even though at some point this version of ourselves feels like ‘a monster’ compared to others. Also, there’s nothing wrong with reaching out to other people as well, especially reaching out for professional help. I guess it’s also a part of the journey of being ourselves.
So, what do you think about this song and its interpretation?
