Black Honey Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Fr1dge 

Cover art for Black Honey lyrics by Thrice

This is not hard to figure out, but that doesn't subtract from the painful truth the song carries. He's talking about the United States going to war in the Middle East for personal gain (oil is black honey) and the effects that it has on us. We keep getting stung each time we go to someone else's country and destroy people's homes and lives while our government pretends to be waging war for our safety. If you don't want to get stung, don't swing your hand through the swarm of bees. It also references the greed and selfishness of American culture "do what I want, do what please, I'll do it again till I got what I need", and "do you understand I deserve the best". The swarm following us home across the sea is a reference to sleeper cells and domestic terrorism in western countries: San Bernardino, Paris, Brussels, etc. ISIS is just the newest swarm we have created ourselves and are following us home to "sting" our friends and family. The butterfly part is interesting in that it seems to be reflecting on our wastefulness and carelessness in destroying things over and over and not learning the result of our actions (threw it in the fire to burn with all the others). The part he repeats "but I never get it right" and then "this time I'll get it right" parallels this. We keep going to war, to reap death and destruction, while a select few profit, and then blame the "bees" for stinging us. We are doomed to do this over and over until we realize the result of our actions.

Song Meaning

@Fr1dge Absolutely just shared this comment on Facebook. This is the most beautiful description of what this song is about I could ever imagine. It's so simple, but extremely powerful.

@Fr1dge I shared your meaning as well. Thanks for your incite! I am an idealist. The only way we would ever face the future of mankind, and into the space race is to swallow our pride and live as one people!!! I'm speaking globally. Great interpretation!!!

@Fr1dge Very interesting interpretation. Just goes to show how a song can lyrically mold itself depending on the listener. I have to disagree considering Thrice and Dustin's Christian background. I'm always looking for a biblical reference in most Thrice songs considering that they are in fact a Christian band (lots and lots of biblical verses hidden in Thrice songs). To me the song is talking about chasing sinful pleasure and continually getting stung by its consequences. However I can understand your perspective and in all honesty the song does fit your interpretation lyrically. It could most definitely be a hidden undertone...