RampartRange
BONES
Navigating Darkness and Identity in 'RampartRange' by BONES
BONES' song 'RampartRange' is a raw and gritty exploration of themes like identity, struggle, and survival. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life marked by hardship and resilience, using stark imagery and metaphors to convey the artist's experiences and emotions. The opening lines, 'Suicide Two-Tone / Bleedin' with the roof gone / Bloody like a newborn / Cutting like a coupon,' set a dark and intense tone, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and pain. The reference to 'cutting like a coupon' could symbolize the artist's attempts to navigate and survive in a harsh environment, where every action is calculated and necessary for survival.
The song also delves into the artist's sense of identity and self-perception. Lines like 'Got my hair pinned back like the fucking Green Ranger / Young Chris Angel, trying to see my angle' highlight BONES' struggle to define himself amidst chaos and external pressures. The mention of the Green Ranger, a character known for his complex and evolving identity, and Chris Angel, a magician famous for his illusions, suggests a desire to control and shape his own narrative, even if it means disappearing and reappearing in different forms.
Cultural references and personal anecdotes are woven throughout the song, grounding the abstract themes in real-life experiences. The imagery of 'Riding in a camouflaged Bronco / Looking like the white Benny Blanco' and 'Tom Hanks, casting away / No shirt, no shoes, just blunts by the bay' juxtaposes moments of escape and isolation with the harsh realities of life. The recurring motif of blades and cutting underscores the constant presence of danger and the need for self-defense. Ultimately, 'RampartRange' is a powerful reflection on the complexities of identity, the impact of past regrets, and the relentless pursuit of survival in a world that often feels unforgiving.