The Black
Asking Alexandria
Diving into the Darkness of Dependency
The song "The Black" by Asking Alexandria delves into the emotional turmoil and struggle of dealing with a toxic relationship. The lyrics express a sense of being overwhelmed and suffocated, as if drowning under the weight of the other person's influence. The repeated line "You make me feel like I'm fucking drowning" suggests a relationship that is not only failing but is actively harmful to the narrator's well-being. The desire to "cut you out" indicates a recognition of the need to remove this negative influence from one's life, yet there is a conflicting sense of dependency and a desperate plea for the other person to speak and provide some form of comfort or clarity.
The imagery of darkness, with the line "Black is all that I see," conveys a feeling of hopelessness and being lost. The narrator's world has come crashing down, and the color black symbolizes the absence of light or goodness in their current state. Despite the pain and betrayal felt, there is a lingering attachment, as evidenced by the lines expressing a need for the other person and the inability to fully let go. This internal conflict is a central theme of the song, highlighting the difficulty of breaking free from a damaging relationship when emotions are still deeply entangled.
Musically, Asking Alexandria is known for their metalcore style, which often combines aggressive music with emotional lyrics. The intensity of the music in "The Black" complements the raw and powerful emotions conveyed in the lyrics, creating a cathartic experience for the listener. The song captures the band's ability to articulate the darker aspects of human relationships and the inner battles one faces when trying to reclaim their sense of self.