When COVID-19 shut down the world five years ago, many people found themselves restless. With little to do outside of quarantine and confined to their homes, everyone searched for something to focus on. For me, that focus became music — specifically, Mitski.

Mitski is an indie pop singer known for writing deeply lyrical songs. She has been releasing albums for more than a decade but gained widespread popularity during the pandemic, when several of her songs went viral on social media.

At first, I only listened to her most popular tracks — “Nobody,” “I Want You,” “A Pearl” and others. Over time, I dug deeper and found myself immersed in a style of music I had never experienced before. I was used to upbeat pop songs on the radio, not the unique voice and sound Mitski was creating. As I listened to each of her albums in full, I fell in love with the way she tells stories through her music.

One song in particular, “I Will,” has always been a favorite of mine. The song explores the feeling of knowing you will always take care of someone and be there for them, no matter what. Lyrics such as, “And all the quiet nights you bear / seal them up with care / no one needs to know they’re there / for I will hold them for you,” highlight Mitski’s sense of devotion toward someone she deeply cared about.

From my first listen, I found the song beautiful. Even five years later, it remains one of my most-played tracks because of how moving I find it.

Many people believe they need to personally relate to every song they listen to, but I do not think that is true. Mitski’s music may not perfectly reflect my own life, but I can still recognize its beauty and appreciate it just the same.