Melanie Martinez’s “Leeches” Is a Haunting Lullaby for the Drained and Used

A dreamlike yet unsettling meditation on toxic relationships and emotional exhaustion.

©️ Atlantic Records

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Melanie Martinez has always had a gift for blending eerie storytelling with hypnotic production, and Leeches is no exception. Taken from her ethereal PORTALS era, the song is a delicate yet dark reflection on parasitic relationships—whether they be emotional, social, or creative. It’s a track that floats between vulnerability and quiet rage, encapsulating the feeling of being drained by those who only take.

Sonically, Leeches embraces Martinez’s signature mix of soft, whisper-like vocals layered over a lush, otherworldly soundscape. The production is delicate, almost lullaby-like, but with an underlying tension that hints at something sinister. Synths swirl like mist, and the minimalistic beat pulses gently, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and suffocating.

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Lyrically, Martinez uses the imagery of leeches to symbolize people who cling to others for their own benefit, sucking them dry of energy and creativity. Her words paint a vivid picture of someone slowly realizing they are being taken advantage of, yet feeling powerless to escape. The repetition in the chorus mirrors the cyclical nature of toxic relationships—where the victim is caught in an endless loop of giving while the other party keeps taking.

The visual aesthetic surrounding Leeches ties seamlessly into Martinez’s PORTALS world, filled with surreal, organic elements and haunting fairy-tale imagery. The song feels like it belongs in an eerie dream sequence—one where pastel hues and soft vocals mask a much darker reality beneath the surface.

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With Leeches, Melanie Martinez once again proves her ability to turn heavy themes into beautifully haunting music. The song is both an emotional catharsis and a warning, reminding listeners to recognize when they’re being drained and to break free before it’s too late.