“Punisher” is the title track from Phoebe Bridgers' sophomore album, written about her musical hero Elliott Smith. The song details a fictional encounter that Phoebe had with the now deceased musician, who died in 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest.

The title comes from a concept that Bridgers created, which would be the archetype of an overly energetic fan, making their hero, in this case Smith, feel trapped when they get to meet them. Bridgers spoke to Apple Music, and explained that the song is about her “stalking Elliott Smith,” and being a punisher who when she talks to her heroes, “their eyes will glaze over.”

Bridgers also used a new recording technique on “Punisher” that she picked up from musical engineer Joseph Lorge. She spoke to Billboard about the idea, and said that the trick was to play various sounds and then “ride the faders as you’re recording so it all shines in different moments.”