Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the beautiful world of Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine.” This song has captured hearts worldwide with its ethereal melody and poignant lyrics. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, we're going to break down both the lyrics and the chords so you can play and sing along. Let's get started!

Unpacking the Lyrics

First, let's delve into the lyrics of "My Love Mine All Mine." Mitski has a knack for writing lyrics that are both simple and profound, and this song is no exception. The song revolves around themes of love, possession, and the desire to offer something of oneself to a beloved. Understanding these themes will help you connect with the song on a deeper level.

Key Themes and Interpretations

The central theme revolves around the speaker's deep affection and desire to give their love to someone. The lyrics use the moon as a metaphor, asking it to keep and reflect their love. This celestial imagery adds a layer of timelessness and universality to the song. Mitski's repetition of phrases like "My love mine all mine" emphasizes the possessive yet generous nature of love. It's about wanting to offer everything you have, holding nothing back.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

• Verse 1: "Moon, a hole of light / Through the big, black sky" - The opening lines set a vivid scene. The moon, a source of light in the darkness, immediately captures our attention. This contrast between light and darkness might symbolize hope and love in a world that often feels bleak.
• Chorus: "My love mine all mine / I love mine all mine" - The chorus is the heart of the song. The repetition isn't just for musical effect; it underscores the central theme of ownership and devotion. It’s a declaration of love that is both personal and all-encompassing.
• Verse 2: "Nothing in the world belongs to me / But my love mine all mine" - These lines highlight a sense of dispossession, suggesting that the speaker feels they have little to offer except their love. This makes the offering of their love even more significant.
• Bridge: "Moon, tell me if I could / Send up my heart to you?" - The bridge introduces a sense of yearning and vulnerability. The speaker is asking for permission, seeking a way to elevate their love to something eternal and untouchable.
• Outro: The repetition of the chorus fades out, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of longing and devotion. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of love.

By understanding the nuances of these lyrics, you can bring so much more emotion and authenticity to your performance. Think about what each line means to you personally and how you can convey that through your singing.

Chord Breakdown for "My Love Mine All Mine"

Alright, let's get into the chords! “My Love Mine All Mine” is relatively simple, which makes it perfect for beginners. The main chords used are:

• C Major (C)
• G Major (G)
• Am (A minor)
• F Major (F)

These four chords form the backbone of the song, and once you've mastered them, you'll be able to play the entire tune. Here’s a more detailed look at each chord:

• C Major (C): This chord is often the starting point for many songs due to its simplicity and bright sound. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string.
• G Major (G): G Major adds a warm and grounding element to the song. There are a couple of ways to play it, but the most common is to place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your index finger on the 2nd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings.
• Am (A minor): A minor brings a touch of melancholy and introspection. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Strum all strings except the low E string.
• F Major (F): F Major can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with practice, you’ll get it. One way to play it is by barring the 1st fret with your index finger and then placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string, and your pinky on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all strings.

Chord Progression

The basic chord progression for “My Love Mine All Mine” is:

C -> G -> Am -> F

This progression repeats throughout most of the song, making it easy to remember and play. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, practice transitioning smoothly between them. This will make your playing sound much more polished.

Putting It All Together

Okay, now that we've covered the lyrics and chords, let's combine them! Here's how the chords align with the lyrics:

(Verse 1)

[C]Moon, a hole of [G]light

[Am]Through the big, black [F]sky

(Chorus)

[C]My love mine all [G]mine

[Am]I love mine all [F]mine

(Verse 2)

[C]Nothing in the world belongs to [G]me

[Am]But my love mine all [F]mine

(Bridge)

[C]Moon, tell me if I [G]could

[Am]Send up my heart to [F]you?

(Outro)

[C]My love mine all [G]mine

[Am]I love mine all [F]mine

Practice playing and singing along with the song. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing. Mitski’s vocal delivery is very emotive, so try to infuse your performance with as much feeling as possible. Don't worry if it doesn't sound perfect right away; the more you practice, the better you'll get!

Tips for Playing and Singing

Playing and singing simultaneously can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you nail it:

• Start Slow: Begin by practicing the chords slowly. Once you’re comfortable with the chord changes, gradually increase the tempo.
• Separate Practice: Practice the chords and lyrics separately before combining them. This will help you focus on each element individually.
• Rhythm is Key: Pay close attention to the rhythm of the song. Use a metronome to keep yourself on track.
• Singing Along: Start by humming the melody while you play the chords. Once you’re comfortable, try singing the lyrics.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself can be a great way to identify areas where you need improvement. Don’t be afraid to critique yourself!
• Simplify if Needed: If the F chord is too challenging, you can substitute it with a simpler version or another chord that fits the progression, like a Dm (D minor).

Advanced Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, you can explore some advanced techniques to add your own flair to the song:

• Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This can add a delicate and intricate texture to the song.
• Alternate Tunings: Experiment with alternate tunings to create a different sound. DADGAD or Open G can be interesting choices.
• Adding Embellishments: Incorporate small embellishments, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, to add interest to the chords.
• Vocal Harmonies: If you have a friend who sings, try adding vocal harmonies to the song. This can create a richer and more dynamic sound.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced musicians make mistakes from time to time. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Rushing the Tempo: It’s easy to speed up when you’re excited, but try to maintain a steady tempo throughout the song.
• Inconsistent Strumming: Make sure your strumming is consistent and even. Avoid strumming too hard or too soft.
• Mumbling Lyrics: Enunciate your lyrics clearly so that listeners can understand what you’re singing.
• Not Practicing Regularly: The key to improving your skills is consistent practice. Set aside some time each day to work on the song.

Final Thoughts

“My Love Mine All Mine” is a beautiful and touching song that is a joy to play and sing. By understanding the lyrics, mastering the chords, and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to perform this song with confidence and emotion. So grab your guitar, warm up your voice, and start playing! You've got this!

Remember, music is all about expression and connection. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the song and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun!