Bleach
BROCKHAMPTON
Navigating Inner Turmoil: The Emotional Odyssey of 'Bleach' by BROCKHAMPTON
BROCKHAMPTON's 'Bleach' delves deep into the emotional and psychological struggles faced by the members of the group. The song opens with a recurring question, 'Who got the feeling? Tell me why I cry when I feel it,' which sets the tone for an exploration of vulnerability and emotional pain. This refrain suggests a search for understanding and a need to make sense of overwhelming emotions that lead to tears, hinting at a deeper, unresolved internal conflict.
The verses paint a vivid picture of isolation and internal chaos. Lines like 'Phone ringing, never outgoing, homebody' and 'Keep it deep inside my mind, it's off kilter, off kilter' reflect a sense of withdrawal and mental imbalance. The imagery of turning 'memory to fantasy' and feeling like a 'dead head zombie' underscores a disconnection from reality and a struggle with self-identity. The mention of 'demons' and 'sleeping with 'em' further emphasizes the internal battles and the difficulty of escaping one's own mind.
The song also touches on themes of existential dread and the search for meaning. The lines 'Do you make mistakes or do you make a change?' and 'We taste the wind for when it's cold enough to kill our flame' pose philosophical questions about personal growth and the inevitability of change. The repeated mention of forgetting a passport 'for a pretty sky' symbolizes a longing for escape and the pursuit of fleeting beauty, even at the cost of practical necessities. Ultimately, 'Bleach' is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotion, the struggle for self-understanding, and the desire for connection amidst inner turmoil.