Vermilion Pt. II

Corey Taylor's song "Vermilion Pt. II" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the haunting presence of an unattainable ideal. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who embodies everything the narrator desires but can never truly have. She is described as being dressed in all of him, symbolizing how deeply she is embedded in his thoughts and emotions. The torment and pain he feels are palpable, leaking through and covering him, indicating that his longing for her is all-consuming and inescapable.

The woman in the song is portrayed as an unrequited dream, a song that no one sings, and a myth that he has to believe in. These metaphors highlight the unattainable nature of his desire and the futility of his longing. Despite knowing that she is a figment of his imagination, he clings to the hope that he can make her real with just one more reason. This internal conflict is further emphasized by the repeated refrain, "I won't let this build up inside of me," suggesting his struggle to contain his emotions and prevent them from overwhelming him.

The song's climax reveals the narrator's realization that she isn't real and that he can't make her real. This acknowledgment of the illusion he has been chasing is both a moment of clarity and a source of deep sadness. The repetition of the phrase "I won't let this build up inside of me" serves as a mantra, a desperate attempt to maintain control over his emotions and avoid being consumed by his unattainable desires. Ultimately, "Vermilion Pt. II" is a poignant exploration of the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to reconcile fantasy with reality.