Bad Apple

Billie Marten's 'Bad Apple' is a contemplative exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in human existence. The song opens with Marten expressing a desire to escape through music, to 'forget everything and write of colour and string.' This suggests a longing for simplicity and beauty in a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic. The mention of 'life in the sea' as something that 'will never be healthy for society' hints at the idea that some aspects of life, while natural and beautiful, are not always beneficial or accepted by societal norms.

The chorus poses existential questions, 'Who am I, honey riddle me that / How can I say what’s white and what’s black?' These lines reflect the struggle of self-identity and the difficulty of navigating moral absolutes in a world filled with gray areas. The metaphor of life as a fruit that is 'wholesome, good and green at the root' but becomes bruised and rotten when it falls to the ground further emphasizes the fragility of purity and goodness. This imagery suggests that life, while inherently good, can easily become corrupted by external forces and circumstances.

The repeated lines about 'wearing animal skin' and 'choosing good over sin' evoke a sense of primal instinct versus moral choice. The phrase 'with no state to be in' implies a feeling of dislocation or lack of belonging, further complicating the struggle between good and evil. Marten's lyrics paint a picture of a world where people are constantly grappling with their own nature and the expectations placed upon them by society. The song ultimately serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition, highlighting the delicate balance between innocence and corruption, and the ongoing quest for self-understanding.