Released: 2020
Peeling back the layers on Mac Miller’s “Circles,” this track plunges deep into the themes of introspection, the cyclical nature of struggle, and the quest for self-acceptance amidst chaos. Miller crafts a poignant reflection of feeling stuck in one’s own life, symbolized by the metaphor of drawing circles, suggesting a repetitive, aimless journey with no clear end or beginning.
The song kicks off with a vivid depiction of confusion and disorientation, likened to the moment before a fall—this sets the stage for a journey through self-doubt and existential questioning. “Well this is what it look like right before you fall / Stumblin’ around, you’ve been guessin’ your direction / Next step you can’t see at all” encapsulates the feeling of being lost and uncertain of where life is taking you. The phrase “Stumblin’ around” conjures an image of someone struggling to find their footing, both literally and metaphorically.
Mac delves deeper into his inner turmoil with, “And I don’t have a name, I don’t have a name, no / Who am I to blame, who am I to blame though?” Here, he’s expressing a crisis of identity, questioning his purpose and place in the world. The repetition emphasizes his confusion and search for self. His admission, “And I cannot be changed, I cannot be changed, no / Trust me, I’ve tried,” speaks to the frustrating realization of being stuck in patterns of behavior or situations that seem impossible to escape from, despite earnest efforts to change.
The chorus “I just end up right at the start of the line / Drawin’ circles” highlights the song’s central metaphor. Drawing circles represents engaging in the same actions and thought processes repeatedly, hoping for different outcomes but ending up in the same place—a powerful illustration of the human condition and our struggle with habits, addiction, and personal growth.
Moving into the second verse, Mac contrasts coping mechanisms, “Well I drink my whiskey, you sip your wine,” pointing out the different ways we navigate our troubles. The line “Went through a wall, sittin’, / Watchin’ the world falling down its decline” suggests a feeling of helplessness and resignation as the world’s troubles unfold around us. Yet, in the midst of it all, Mac offers a gentle reminder of resilience and support, “And I can keep you safe, I can keep you safe / Do not be afraid, do not be afraid.” It’s an intimate assurance that despite the chaos, there is comfort in companionship and mutual understanding.
Finally, the closing lines, “It’s gettin’ pretty late, gettin’ pretty late / And I find it goes around like the hands that keep countin’ the time / Drawin’ circles,” reiterate the cyclical theme. Mac uses the metaphor of time’s relentless march, symbolized by the hands of a clock, to underscore the unending nature of these cycles we find ourselves in. Yet, there’s a nuanced acceptance in his tone, a recognition that while we may not break free from our circles, there’s a certain peace in understanding and accepting them.
“Circles” stands as a testament to Mac Miller’s introspective brilliance, using the simple metaphor of drawing circles to convey complex themes of existential dread, the struggle for change, and the quest for self-acceptance. It’s a resonant piece that encourages listeners to reflect on their own cycles, whatever they may be.
