"Lost Kitten" by Metric is a multifaceted piece that uses contrasting elements to explore themes of identity, yearning, and displacement, all woven into the band's characteristic synth-rock sound. Set against a shimmering electronic beat that evokes both retro synth-pop and the cool detachment of indie rock, the song’s sonic lightness masks a narrative laced with vulnerability and confusion. Lyrically, "Lost Kitten" serves as an introspective dialogue, with vocalist Emily Haines’ delivery combining both childlike innocence and jaded resilience. She embodies a character searching for validation and security, speaking in fragmented, self-reflective phrases that hint at a fragile self-concept shaped by outside influences. Phrases like, "You got my eyes, you got my eyes," imply a sense of being seen or claimed by another, a notion that implies both intimacy and a subtle loss of autonomy. The repetition and minimalism in Haines' lyrics underscore the speaker's sense of being caught in a loop, as if endlessly searching but always returning to the same unresolved feelings. The instrumentation also adds complexity to the track. Metric blends a playful, almost naïve-sounding keyboard melody with layered, dense synth textures, creating a kind of juxtaposition that mirrors the song's exploration of innocence and lost identity. The driving beat is relentless, propelling the song forward with a sort of manic energy that echoes the tension between wanting to escape and feeling trapped. This layered arrangement gives "Lost Kitten" a sense of urgency, as though the protagonist is both running toward something and away from something simultaneously. The music video adds yet another layer, depicting a surreal, dreamlike journey through Montreal that mirrors the song’s themes of searching and self-discovery. It follows a young man, adorned in drag, as he searches for his mother in what becomes a strange, colorful odyssey. The video plays with gender and identity in ways that complement the song's lyrical exploration of vulnerability and displacement, reinforcing the concept of a character "lost" in both place and self. As a whole, "Lost Kitten" showcases Metric's ability to balance contrasting moods and themes, creating a piece that is catchy yet melancholic, straightforward yet deeply nuanced. It stands as a testament to Metric's knack for blending accessibility with artistic depth, making it a standout track on Synthetica that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels.