In a Lake Lyrics – Mitski | Nothing’s About to Happen to Me

“In a Lake” and Nothing’s About to Happen to Me portray escape from small-town shame through water imagery and city reinvention, centering freedom from memory and the desire to start over.
Lyrics of In a Lake by Mitski
[Verse 1]
I’d never live in a small town
I’ve made too many mistakes
For where you gotta write your book early
Or it gets written up in your place
Where you never get away from your first love
It’s like one brand of soap’s sold in town
‘Cause anyone you can get close to
Smells like your first time around
[Chorus]
But in a lake, you can backstroke forever
The sky before you, the dark right behind
And in a big city, you can start over
[Verse 2]
And everywhere you go makеs your heart ache
When you’vе done enough walks of shame
Some days, you just go the long way
To stay off of memory lane
So I’d never live in a small town
I’m slow to learn all the rules
I’ve tried very hard to be good
But when they think you’re bad, people act worse
[Chorus]
But in a lake, you can backstroke forever
The sky before you and the dark behind you
And in a big city, you can start over
The lights all around you, the dark safe in the sight
In a big city, you can start over
Meaning of In a Lake Lyrics
Verse 1 Meaning:
The song talks about how small towns can feel limiting and judgmental. When someone makes mistakes, people remember them for a long time. In a small place, everyone knows your past, and it feels hard to grow or change because your identity gets fixed by what others think.
Chorus Meaning:
The lake and the big city show freedom and fresh starts. A lake feels calm and open, where someone can move forward without pressure. A big city also gives space to rebuild life and leave past mistakes behind. Both places symbolize escape and new hope.
Verse 2 Meaning:
This part shows the pain of carrying shame and memories everywhere. Even simple daily life can remind someone of their past. Trying to be good does not always stop people from judging. When others label you as bad, they sometimes treat you worse, which makes moving on harder.
Chorus Meaning:
Again, the image of swimming in a lake or living in a big city repeats the idea of freedom. It shows a desire to stay away from constant judgment and start fresh. The song focuses on healing, distance from the past, and finding places that feel safer for growth.
In a Lake Song Credits & Production Details
| Song Title | In a Lake |
| Album | Nothing’s About to Happen to Me |
| Singer(s) | Mitski |
| Musician(s) | Patrick Hyland |
| Lyricist(s) | Mitski |
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Label | Dead Oceans |
| Copyright © | Dead Oceans |
| Language | English |
More Lyrics from “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me” Album
Nothing’s About to Happen to Me
- I’ll Change For You
- In a Lake (Currently Reading)
- Cats
- If I Leave
- Dead Women
- Instead of Here
- Rules
- That White Cat
- Charon’s Obol
- Lightning
- Where’s My Phone?
Frequently Asked Questions About In a Lake Song
Who is the singer of the song ‘In a Lake’?
The song ‘In a Lake’ is sung by Mitski.
Who wrote the song ‘In a Lake’ by Mitski?
The song ‘In a Lake’ by Mitski is written by Mitski.
Who produced the music for the song ‘In a Lake’?
Music of the song ‘In a Lake’ is produced by Patrick Hyland.
When was the song ‘In a Lake’ officially released?
The song ‘In a Lake’ is officially released on February 27, 2026, accompanied by its official music video.
What album is the song ‘In a Lake’ from?
The song ‘In a Lake’ is from the album titled ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’.
Which record label released the song ‘In a Lake’?
The song ‘In a Lake’ by Mitski was released under the record label Dead Oceans.
Who owns the copyright of the song ‘In a Lake’?
Dead Oceans owns the copyright of the song ‘In a Lake’.
Disclaimer
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