The Interview

AFI's 'The Interview' is a haunting exploration of despair, longing, and the search for solace. The song opens with a sense of impending doom, as the narrator waits for disaster, a theme that sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The reference to 'servant and master' suggests a power dynamic, possibly hinting at internal struggles or external pressures that the narrator feels trapped by. The imagery of water—'swimming, bathing, drowning in sorrow'—evokes a sense of being overwhelmed by emotions, unable to escape the weight of one's own feelings.

The chorus reveals a desire for change and vulnerability, as the narrator decides to stop hiding their true self. The lines 'Pray for rain, lose your name, and watch all your dreams fall through' suggest a sense of hopelessness, as if the narrator's efforts to find relief or redemption are futile. The repeated plea to 'hush now, don't you cry' serves as a melancholic lullaby, offering a temporary comfort in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

In the final verses, the narrator's plea becomes more desperate, asking to be held even if they might be dropped tomorrow. This highlights a yearning for connection and support, even if it's fleeting. The mention of 'decemberunderground'—a reference to AFI's album of the same name—adds a layer of depth, suggesting a retreat into a cold, dark place as a form of escape. The closing lines, 'As you exhale, I breathe in and sink into the water underground,' symbolize a deep, almost symbiotic relationship with despair, where the narrator finds a twisted sense of solace in their suffering.