Chloe Moriondo – “Raw”

Song Details

• Title: Raw
• Artist: Chloe Moriondo
• Album: Suckerpunch (2022)
• Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative
• Language: English
• Themes: Vulnerability, Emotional Growth, Self-Acceptance
• Mood: Introspective, Melancholic, Exposed

In-Depth Lyric Analysis

Overview

“Raw” is a deeply introspective and emotionally vulnerable song that explores self-discovery, emotional exposure, and the struggle to accept one’s own sensitivity. The lyrics present a journey of self-acceptance, where the speaker acknowledges the difficulty of being emotionally open in a world that often demands toughness.

Throughout the song, Chloe Moriondo describes feeling “raw”—as if her emotions, thoughts, and identity are fully exposed to the world. The use of physical imagery (like licking from wrists, diving deep, and wishbones) reinforces this idea of openness, fragility, and transformation.

Intro: A Repetitive, Echoing Feeling

• (“Raw”) (repeated four times)

The repetition of “Raw” creates an almost mantra-like effect. It immediately sets the emotional tone of the song, as if the singer is embracing or confronting their own vulnerability.

Verse 1: Reflection & Emotional Resilience

• “This year has done a lot to me / And so did the last one”

These opening lines hint at emotional exhaustion and personal struggles. There’s a sense that time has been difficult, but the speaker has endured.

• “But I’m better than I thought I’d be / So it’s good in the long run”

Despite past hardships, there is a sense of growth and resilience. The speaker acknowledges that even though they’ve struggled, they’re stronger than they expected, which offers a hopeful perspective.

Pre-Chorus: Exposed & Drifting

• “Wishbone, exposed / Going where the tide goes”

The wishbone imagery suggests fragility and the idea of being pulled apart—just like how a wishbone breaks when tugged in opposite directions. It could symbolize being split between strength and vulnerability.

The phrase “going where the tide goes” reinforces a lack of control—the speaker feels like they are being carried by external forces, possibly referring to life’s unpredictability or emotional turmoil.

• “I know it gets so cold and overflows”

This could symbolize overwhelming emotions—perhaps grief, sadness, or anxiety—becoming too much to contain.

• “I’ll keep my eyes wide ’cause I’m so”

This line suggests a willingness to remain open and aware, despite the pain that comes with vulnerability.

Chorus: The Central Theme – Embracing Emotional Exposure

• “Raw, so slick, you could lick it from my wrists like”
• “Raw, you can taste from the very first kiss, I’m”

These lines use sensory, almost visceral imagery to convey how deeply exposed the speaker feels. The mention of wrists could metaphorically reference self-harm or emotional pain, but it might also represent offering oneself completely—as in revealing one’s true, unfiltered emotions.

The mention of taste and touch makes the emotions feel tangible and overwhelming. The idea that someone can “taste” the rawness from the first kiss suggests a deep emotional intensity, even in relationships.

• “Raw, pick up my pieces, I am / Raw, so raw, I am”

Here, the speaker is acknowledging their own fragility, as if they are broken into pieces. Yet, there’s also a defiant sense of acceptance—they are raw, and they own that truth.

Verse 2: The Conflict Between Toughness & Softness

• “Being so rough, I just can’t get behind it”

This line suggests that the speaker doesn’t relate to emotional hardness—perhaps struggling with the societal expectation to be tough and unbothered.

• “And my outside is tough, but I can’t keep me inside it”

Despite appearing tough on the outside, the speaker can’t contain their real emotions. They struggle to suppress their vulnerability, reinforcing the theme of feeling deeply exposed.

• “And I love being soft, hate when I try to hide it”

This is a direct admission of self-acceptance. The speaker values their emotional sensitivity, but struggles when they feel pressured to suppress it.

• “Is the water ever warm? Am I ever gonna like it?”

This could represent uncertainty about the future—whether life will ever feel truly comfortable, or whether the speaker will ever fully embrace their vulnerability without fear.

Pre-Chorus & Chorus Repeats: Reaffirming the Message

The repeated lines reinforce the overwhelming feeling of being raw and exposed. The chorus becomes a reaffirmation rather than a plea—suggesting that the speaker is starting to accept and embrace their vulnerability rather than fighting it.

Outro: Acceptance

The outro consists of the word “Raw” repeated. This simple yet powerful ending suggests the speaker has come to fully accept their emotional rawness. There’s no resolution, just acknowledgment.

Meaning & Themes

1. Emotional Vulnerability & Self-Acceptance

The song is an intimate exploration of emotional openness. The speaker struggles with being “soft” in a world that values toughness, but ultimately, they embrace their rawness instead of hiding it.

2. The Struggle Between Strength & Fragility

Lines like “Wishbone, exposed” and “pick up my pieces” highlight the duality of strength and fragility. The speaker recognizes that while they may appear broken or exposed, there’s power in honesty and emotional expression.

3. The Pain of Growth & Healing

The song reflects the pain of personal growth—acknowledging that while healing isn’t linear, it is still worthwhile in the long run.

4. The Sensory Experience of Vulnerability

Through taste, touch, and physical imagery, the song makes emotions feel tangible. The listener can almost feel the rawness, making the song deeply personal and immersive.

FAQs

1. What does “raw” mean in the song?

“Raw” symbolizes emotional exposure, honesty, and vulnerability. The speaker feels like they can’t hide their emotions, even though the world often expects them to.

2. What does the line “so slick, you could lick it from my wrists” mean?

This lyric uses visceral, sensory imagery to convey how exposed and vulnerable the speaker feels. It may also suggest that their emotions are so intense that they are impossible to ignore.

3. What does the wishbone metaphor represent?

A wishbone is fragile and breaks under pressure, symbolizing the speaker’s emotional vulnerability. It also represents a desire for something (happiness, love, comfort) that feels just out of reach.

4. Is this song about mental health struggles?

While not explicitly stated, the lyrics strongly hint at struggles with mental health, self-acceptance, and emotional pain. Lines about picking up pieces and feeling exposed suggest themes of healing and growth after hardship.

5. What is the main message of “Raw”?

The song encourages embracing emotional vulnerability rather than hiding it. It’s about accepting your sensitivity as a strength instead of a weakness.

Conclusion

“Raw” is a powerful, emotionally honest song about embracing vulnerability, struggling with self-acceptance, and learning to navigate personal growth. Chloe Moriondo captures the beauty and pain of being emotionally exposed, making Raw a deeply relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt too sensitive for the world around them.