Patchwork by Poppy Holmes,  is a beautifully introspective song that undertakes an idea of identity and how one perceives themself. The lyrics create a poignant picture of someone who believes he is made up from bits of everyone else, pieced together through so many influences. It is the recurring idea of “I like the way you smile, think I’ll try it on for size,” which really underlines a deep longing to connect or be admired by others while at the same time questioning the authenticity of one’s self. This is ingeniously caught by the playful tone of such lines as “I’m always on the market for a plagiarised disguise”.

The chorus can be considered the emotional core of the song. She refers to herself as a “patchwork of each girl I’ve ever met.” She reflects on the experiences and people she’s come across and, in that sense, how they have shaped her-but incompletely: “Oh, there’s not much of me left.” It’s raw because it’s a very vulnerable, confusing feeling often brought on by trying to figure out who you really are in a world full of comparisons.

Closing lines, “I’m a magpie, catch my eye I’ll stitch you to my heart,” are a bittersweet metaphor for collecting pieces from others and making them part of herself-even in the way that distance her from her authenticity. Overall, the lyrics are considerate and underpin Poppy Holmes’ ability to capture complicated emotions with poetic simplicity.