Mitski Addresses Fan Enthusiasm For “6-7” Lyric

When Mitski released her stunning new album Nothing's About To Happen To Me in February, some fans noticed the lyrics to "Rules" feature the numerical sequence "6-7." Yes, those numbers arrive when Mitski is literally counting up to 11, but any mention of "6" and "7" together is bound to spark memories of last year's endlessly popular meme/verbal compulsion, in which "6-7" became a meaningless, all-consuming refrain among young people. Thus, "Rules" has been gaining attention on TikTok in recent weeks, leading up to one concertgoer shouting the phrase indiscriminately during a recent Mitski tour stop.

Mitski spoke about the phenomenon onstage at Electric Bristol in Bristol, UK Sunday night:

On the journey to 10, I say the numbers six and seven. I want you to know that I am 35 years old and I didn't do that on purpose. But it is fun that you all have a good time with it. A few nights ago, there was a guy — I don't know their gender — there was a kid towards the front who just loved 6-7 so much. Kept screaming it even in the songs that had nothing to do with it. I have one song called "Dead Women." I played it. I say, "Stab me 27 times." And he was like, "6-7!" And it was like, "Pull yourself together! Those are different numbers entirely." But — OK, kids you're going to cringe at this. I'm talking to adults my age and older. If you don't know what 6-7 means, come in, huddle up, I'll tell you. There is no inherent meaning.

This oration is better when delivered by Mitski, with all her Mitski-ish inflections. Watch below.

Incidentally, Mitski has performed "Rules" in other languages, so maybe her fans can learn something to combat the brainrot.