Maggie Rogers, Please Stop Making Me Cry
I was admittedly late to the Maggie Rogers train. I spent the majority of my early twenties entirely too committed to having the most vast and unique music taste, which ironically left me out of touch with what I actually enjoyed listening to. Not to worry – I’m here now, politely asking Maggie to please stop making me cry.
If you know me, you also know that I am… easily moved. I consider myself to be like a scab. Sounds gross, but listen. You know how scabs are nearly healed but one wrong scrape and ouchy, you got blood? Well, that’s just like me. One tender moment and I’m a puddle. BUT – I am usually able to rebound pretty quickly. I feel the thing and then move on with my day. Unfortunately, this was not the case when I listened to Maggie Rogers’ song “Don’t Forget Me.” I was weeping so hard on my way to work, I had to pull over to regain my composure. I wish I was kidding, but take a look at these lyrics—
“So close the door and change the channel,
Give me something I can handle
A good lover or someone who's nice to me
Take my money, wreck my Sundays
Love me 'til your next somebody
Oh, and promise me that when it's time to leave
Don't forget me”
I think this song hits home for several reasons. First being, I feel like Maggie and I would be friends if I were cooler, hotter, richer, and more musically inclined. We are the same age, I resonate with her outward aesthetic, and from what I’ve seen in videos, we both look really cool when we dance. “Don’t Forget Me” feels like an anthem for women like me—those of us who didn't marry our high school sweetheart and whose lives have taken a totally unexpected turn. "Don't Forget Me" is a heartfelt plea to be remembered and cherished, a sentiment that really lands as my biological and societal clock keeps on ticking.
I was in a relationship from ages 17 to 24, and on track to have a picket-fence life by now. All of a sudden, my life flashed before my eyes and I realized that wasn't the road my heart wanted to travel. I veered sharply left, moving to several different states, picking up a couple of dogs, multiple piercings, tattoos, and even some bangs (which look amazing, for the record). Most days, I have no regrets. I'm feeling more myself than ever, proud of the woman I've become. But now and then, I can't help but wonder: What if I'd stayed on that other path? Would I be happier? More fulfilled? Less lonely?
With most of my college friends following the traditional route—getting engaged, married, expecting, or already with babies—it's easy to feel like the last 28-year-old on the planet still trying to figure it all out. Listening to “Don’t Forget Me” made me feel incredibly seen and validated. If you're nodding along, feeling the same way, I want you to know that I'm right there with you. I absolutely adore my life, but that doesn't mean I don't occasionally wonder about the road not taken. (Shoutout to Robert Frost, forever a fave.)
Sure, there have been some bumps in my journey, but I've encountered countless moments of adventure, beauty, growth, and self-discovery. From my beautiful adult friendships in new states to the freedom to express myself, every experience has shaped me into the woman I am today. And I love her.
Whether you're streaming Maggie or not, I want to let you know that you're not alone in this journey. We're all just winging it, and while that can be super fun (have I mentioned my tattoos?), it's okay if you feel scared sometimes. Me too, buddy. Me too.
With my whole heart,
Your Maddy
