"Recess" is a song by Melanie Martinez that is featured as the thirteenth and final track on the standard edition of her sophomore album, K-12. The music video was released as part of the film on September 6, 2019 and was later separately released on February 7, 2020.
Background[]
In April 2017, Melanie collaborated with photographer Emily Soto on a photoshoot to create visual imagery for each track on K-12. In the visual imagery for Recess, it is seen that Cry Baby is sitting on a swing, although this does not happen in the final product.
On July 16, 2019, a snippet of this track was released exclusively in Los Angeles, California, as an assignment prior to being available worldwide.
In an interview on Melanie's October 2019 issue for Alternative Press Magazine, she revealed more of the background behind the song:
"I wrote this song at a time where I felt extremely burned out from all the work that was consuming my life. I oftentimes bite off more than I can chew, and I think learning when to take breaks is something l'm still learning how to do, I think we're all pretty conditioned to believe that our value is determined by our success or wealth. I think abundance is something most people confuse with monetary gains. In reality, abundance can present itself as having genuine friends surrounding you, a meaningful purpose in life, a loving partner, a supportive family or even good health. Those are the things that really add value and fulfillment to our lives more than anything."
Melanie Martinez
Theme[]
The song is about letting go of harmful and toxic people, as well as the importance of maintaining your mental health when times are rough. The pre-chorus could be touching on the music industry, as artists are often overworked and receive minimal breaks, while the second they take some time for themselves they are replaced by another artist. The song is also likely very personal to Melanie, as she mentions her grandmother, Lydia, several times, quoting advice that she had given Melanie when she was young.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I was too young to see the truth
In my grandma's lap, I'm drowning in her perfume
Too naive to even care
'Bout the words she whispered while she brushed out my hair
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
[Verse 2]
Sittin' in my room, looking at all I've done
Everything I wanted has come to fruition
I should be happy but I can't get out my bed
Stressin' 'bout the voices screamin' inside my head
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
[Bridge]
Where is my time?
Gone in my mind
Gone, I can't find
Euphoria
When I get upset
I think in my head
Back to what she said
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
[Verse 1]
I was too young to see the truth
In my grandma's lap, I'm drowning in her perfume
Too naive to even care
'Bout the words she whispered while she brushed out my hair
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
[Verse 2]
Sittin' in my room, looking at all I've done
Everything I wanted has come to fruition
I should be happy but I can't get out my bed
Stressin' 'bout the voices screamin' inside my head
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
[Bridge]
Where is my time?
Gone in my mind
Gone, I can't find
Euphoria
When I get upset
I think in my head
Back to what she said
[Pre-chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (oooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "recess", I'm tired
Official versions[]
| Version | Released on | Release date | Producer(s) | Creation date | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final | K-12 | September 6, 2019 | Michael Keenan | ~August 22, 2016 | 3:50 | |
| Music video version | "Recess" music video | February 7, 2020 | Michael Keenan | 2016-2018 | 3:25 | |
| Clean version | K-12 | September 6, 2019 | Michael Keenan | ~August 22, 2016 | 3:50 | |
| Instrumental | Unreleased | June 24, 2020 (leaked) | Michael Keenan | ~August 22, 2016 | 3:50 |
Gallery[]
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To view the gallery of Recess, click here.
|
Music video[]
The video begins rather abruptly, with Blue Boy exclaiming that the doors to the ballroom are locked, meaning all the students who are attending the dance are trapped inside. Over the loudspeaker, Leo commands the students to dance. As the song begins, the students are seemingly forced by a magic spell to dance, pairing up with whoever is nearest to them. Leo screams "Dance!" into the microphone one more time before the song's vocals begin. The Empaths complain about the situation, clearly not pleased that they are unable to stop dancing. Fleur says that they have to figure out a plan and Angelita mentions that they need to find Cry Baby. The students' dancing is rather awkward and stiff since it is forced, and no one looks happy. Celeste and Magnolia realize that whatever spell Leo has put on them is blocking their powers, and so they have lost control of themselves. The students continue to dance and complain throughout the entirety of the video before it fades to black and ends.
Cast[]
- Angelita: Emma Harvey
- Celeste: Megan Gage
- Magnolia: Zinnett Hendrix
- Fleur: Zion Moreno
- Kelly: Maggie Budzyna
- Chloe: Rebeka Péter
- Holly: Laurka Lanczki
- Lucy: Natália Tóth
- Rachel: Ágota Dunai
- Ben: Marsalis Wilson
- Leo: Jesy McKinney
- Lorelai: Katie Sheridan
- Brandon: Vilmos Heim
- Blue Boy: Adrian Jurics
Trivia[]
- In the original version of the booklet that comes with physical copies of the album, "Recess" was misspelled as "Reccess". This has since been fixed in newly printed versions.
- Recess was one of the first songs from K-12 to be performed live, along with "Strawberry Shortcake" and "High School Sweethearts". The three songs were first performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 16, 2019.
- All of the performances are now taken down due to unknown reasons.
- Each song on K-12 represents a different grade level in school, from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
- "Recess" represents twelfth grade.
- Melanie performed an acoustic version of the song in the third and final episode of her YouTube series Extra Credit titled "Recess with Melanie Martinez". The episode was released on December 19, 2019.
- The music videos for "Recess" and "Teacher's Pet" are the only music videos from K-12 where Cry Baby does not appear singing.
- This is the first music video overall where Cry Baby does not appear whatsoever, as she is only mentioned by other characters.
- Swings creaking, children talking, and dogs barking can be heard throughout the song.
- The song's official audio has more views than the music video on YouTube.
- This is Melanie's least streamed song from the standard version of K-12.
- On the deluxe version, "Glued" is the least streamed.
