NYMPHOLOGY

In mythology, nymphs are female spirits associated with natural beauty like mountains, forests, rivers, and springs. They're young, graceful, and often seen singing, dancing, or playing instruments. They symbolize fertility and the circle of life. Here, Melanie Martinez likens herself to a nymph, rejecting objectification and insisting on respect.

Martinez coined the word "Nymphology" for this song to describe how women are portrayed in our society. Martinez uses the term as an extended metaphor, pointing out how society expects women to look and act, and how this is reflected in popular culture and mythology, like the portrayal of nymphs. "I wanted it to be bratty and a commentary piece on the box a lot of men put femme presenting people in when they call us names like 'manic pixie dream girl,'" explained Martinez on her Instagram Stories. "Being forced to play the role of mom and healer, while they gaslight you and call you crazy the minute you communicate how you feel."

You can't even spell but you're an "expert" in nymphology By satirically calling her romantic interest an expert in nymphology, Martinez highlights his bad behavior towards her.