Toothpick

Biting Elbows' song 'Toothpick' delves into the tumultuous emotions of vengeance, regret, and the moral ambiguity that often accompanies acts of retribution. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge, a sentiment that is starkly contrasted with moments of self-reflection and doubt. The opening lines, 'Some folks got the patience of the angels / Not me, my heart, well, it yearns for vengeance,' set the tone for a narrative that is both intense and introspective.

The imagery of 'leaving their place smoking' and 'hearts to be healed and their ribs to be broken' suggests a violent confrontation, one that leaves both physical and emotional scars. The protagonist's journey through the city, described with phrases like 'Eat red lights, chew tram tracks,' symbolizes a reckless abandon and a disregard for societal norms. This is further emphasized by the line 'Stole my morals, I don't need them back,' indicating a conscious decision to forsake ethical considerations in pursuit of personal vendetta.

However, the song also explores the protagonist's internal conflict. Lines like 'Don't know, maybe I didn't undergo / What I think I did / I've been an idiot' reveal a sense of uncertainty and self-reproach. The repeated assertion that 'no one saw a fucking thing that night' suggests a desire to escape accountability, yet the protagonist is haunted by their actions. The final verses, 'You shouldn't have crossed me,' underscore the theme of betrayal and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries. Ultimately, 'Toothpick' is a raw and unflinching exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, where the quest for vengeance is fraught with inner turmoil and moral ambiguity.