The song “LMK” by Nick Mara explores the emotions associated with an unsteady and unstable relationship that is still in its transitional stage. The song exists within the realm of ambiguity where communication is fading away and doubts seem to be getting louder despite attempts to make sense of what’s going on.
Unlike many songs that feature rather complicated narratives, Mara uses a more conversational writing style. This approach lets us hear the spiraling thoughts within the narrator, who finds himself lost in the process of trying to figure out where things are headed without having enough information.
This comes to light especially vividly through the chorus: “let me know if the love is gone and I’ll take it / you got your lipstick on, you’re ready to go to new places / just tell me the truth, are you still contemplating?”. It is a very openhearted section of the song, which shows both the acceptance and despair that the singer simultaneously experiences.
As for the sonic characteristics, “LMK” easily blends into today’s pop genre. However, it has some uniqueness in that it doesn’t attempt to provide an answer to the issue, but rather shows the process of contemplation and rethinking everything that has already happened. The use of repetition is evident and it eventually becomes clear that the main theme of the song is being stuck in a cycle of overthinking and hesitation.
Mara does not aim to present his story in terms of extreme highs and lows; instead, he lets everything build up slowly and realistically. “LMK” does not focus on the final resolution of the story, but on the question itself, allowing the artist to reveal his vulnerabilities.
