Talons

this is absolutely about trying to run away from the sinful life, running almost from the "angel of death" and the consequences of what you have done.

I've read a lot of the opinions on this site. I want to weigh in with something a little different... This is only personal opinion and accept that I could be wrong. But I like my interpretation. ;)

I am not going to deny that the STD/AIDS/HIV possibility isn't there. With lyrics such as "Another disease came in the post for me today" and "When did you become such a slut?" and a few other lines it is hard to ignore that possibility.

I have also seen people talk about how this song could be about running away from sinful nature... implying a sense of religious or moral inner struggle.

Personally I don't think this song is as sinister as people make it out to be... In fact I feel that the Intimacy album has very interesting undertones of BDSM and that this song is no exception. Everything from the lyrics to the visual art of the album cover (and album cover of the Talons Single) seems to suggest a certain sexual nature, and I would be willing to argue that there is a certain Dominant/ Submisive (D/s) nature. (I also realise there are other themes besides sex or BDSM but I feel there is some form of underlying theme towards a form of D/s nature.) I also feel like a lot of the language that is used though out the album suggests that the songs are written from the Submissive (Sub) point of view. So without further adieu here is a breakdown:

"And in the dark it comes for me Malevolent and without thought Uprooting trees, destroying cars Cold and relentless, with arms outstretched"

• I think this is him talking about his master. It wounds almost respectful and talks about the power and nature of his Dom.

"No boat nor brick Nor crucifix can hold it back I've been wicked I've been arrogant"

• For me the boat represents the ocean (space), bricks represent buildings (barriers), and crucifix (religion). Then he talks of how he has been wicked and arrogant and maybe needs to be punished.

"And when it comes it will feel like a kiss (Silent about it) And when it comes it will feel like a kiss And I cannot say that I was not warned or was misled And when it comes it will feel like a kiss"

• I think this is talking about his punishment from his Dominant (Dom). When he receives it he finds it as pleasurable as a kiss. The "Silent about it" part makes me think that he accepts it silently. And clearly his Dom warned him and didn't mislead him. He accepts it.

"Awaken from dreams of drunken car crashes You saddened my friends and claimed all my lovers I tried to stay still, so it will not see Its talons rake the side of my face When did you become such a slut?"

• If I had to guess, I would say this might be where the D/s relationship might have turned bad. I have awoken from a car crash (not a drunken one) and it is incredibly disorienting and confusing... Perhaps this was him coming out of a daze of sorts. Maybe the relationship wasn't exactly healthy and his Dom made his friends sad, and maybe his Dom "claimed" all of his lovers (sexually) as his own. He tried to remain still but felt the talons rake the side of his face... Questioning when his Dom became such a slut. (His Dom lost his loyalty.)

"And I didn't think I'd catch fire when I held my hand to the flame And I didn't think it would catch up as fast as I could have run Fate came a knocking when I was looking the other way A new disease came in the post for me today"

• Here I think he wonders how he got wrapped up into the D/s life. How it snuck up on him and he didn't see it coming. And lastly I think the disease is figurative... I think this actually may refer to a sinful nature or something he sees as negative inside himself from a certain standpoint.

The thing I like about it is that he still leaves the song saying... When it comes around, it feels like a kiss. I think it is a acceptance of how he enjoys the actions of his Dom and his submission.

wow i am so happy that this came as a free download for everyone who bought the digital download of the album. it literally made my day. well i think this song is pretty good... basically going along with intimacy's theme of relationships changing and not being what they used to be. but danielmiami... im going to have to disagree... mercury was AMAZING, not a disaster!

No worries, but I wasn't sure of some of the lyrics, so I'll just correct them when the official lyrics come out.

bloody great song!

cant wait till they come to Australia

x

So there is still this guilt and relgion issue.

But what do you reckon he is running from/afraid of?

Cracking tune though!

Agree completely, this is fantastic and such a relief after the direness that is Mercury..

You know those weird times where you just zone out, and listen to the same song over and over again? and, no, it is not when you are stoned or drunk. This is what happens to me with this song. AMAZING.

Go Bloc Party

BLoC ParTy WiLl LiVe TiLl ThE EnD Of tImE!!!!!

This song... just blows my mind. Hopefully i'll be seeing them in November xD.

I was thinking about what 'it' is this song is talking about. My initial thought was drugs, alcohol, or perhaps just that reckless 'party' lifestyle. It makes sense that that way of living may have 'saddened friends' and 'claimed lovers'. I don't understand what the chorus (when it comes, it will feel like a kiss) is refererring to, perhaps an overdose or something :/ ... probably completely off, but whatever, song is awesome.

However i think RayMonkey42 has an excellent point/idea... and i agree with it more than i agree with my own crappy half baked idea. :]

Bloc Party > love. kthxbi.