Cholera

C.A.R.'s song 'Cholera' delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the emotional turbulence that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship marked by both passion and pain, using rich, evocative imagery to convey the depth of these experiences. The opening lines, 'Stripped back secondary, Austin voice / As milky as her bones,' suggest a raw, unfiltered connection between the lovers, one that is both intimate and fragile. The mention of 'southern clouds, hanging low / As heavy as this blood' evokes a sense of impending doom, hinting at the emotional weight that the relationship carries.

The song's chorus, with its references to 'distant thunder' and 'stormy laughter,' captures the unpredictable nature of love and the way it can shift from joy to sorrow in an instant. The imagery of 'lives outlined in chalk' suggests a sense of impermanence and vulnerability, as if the characters in the song are constantly on the brink of being erased. This is further emphasized by the line 'Our plans they took a knock,' indicating that their dreams and aspirations have been disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

In the final verse, the lyrics 'Sky-high memories, optic pins / There’s mint left in the glass' reflect on the remnants of past happiness and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The mention of 'wet leaves, seventeen, prickly breath' and 'kisses steal smiles' highlights the fleeting moments of joy that punctuate the overall sense of melancholy. The phrase 'We pimp this bad behaviour' suggests a defiant embrace of their flawed relationship, acknowledging its imperfections while still finding value in the connection they share. Through its poetic and often cryptic language, 'Cholera' captures the tumultuous journey of love and the resilience required to navigate its many challenges.