Maia, or more commonly known as mxmtoon, released a new single entitled “mona lisa” which centers her actually wanting to be the subject rather than a detail. “mona lisa” is a single off of her sophomore album, which is expected to come out later this year.
The single has a soft, easy going melody accompanied by the ukulele feeling like a casual daydream. mxmtoon sings “I’m so tired of being a book on the shelf / tired of stories for somebody else.” The music industry is filled with loud, extroverted musicians, and as a self proclaimed introvert, she sometimes struggles with being the center of attention. But similar to other introverts, that does not mean that they constantly want to remain on the side lines. An important thing to note is that being an introvert does not lessen someone’s worth.
The song emits feelings of happiness with its bubbly tune and soft ukulele in the background. Despite the song sounding like being in a fairy tale, the struggle of being an introvert is real. Oftentimes, they may feel like outcasts as mxmtoon sings, “I wanna feel like I finally matter.” Introverts are often overlooked and seen as being good listeners, so this song reminds me to check in on my more introverted friends.
There are also art references with the most obvious being the title itself, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, The Mona Lisa. The cover art of the single features Maia dressed and posing as mona lisa, a literal take on her wanting to be a muse; someone who acts as the center of attention, the subject of art, the main character.
Introverts can definitely relate to mxmtoon’s, “mona lisa” and the idea of wanting to be the center of attention for once. Everyone deserves to have a shot at being under the spotlight and Maia voices what other introverts have most likely felt at some point in their lives despite not saying it.
You can stream the track below:
