Deep in the Woods

Cosmic Birds' song 'Deep in the Woods' delves into themes of isolation, fear, and the struggle for identity. The protagonist of the song finds themselves running deep into the woods, a metaphorical and literal escape from a world that they feel disconnected from. The lyrics 'I've got a black hole where my heart should beat' and 'I was born inside a hollow tree' suggest a profound sense of emptiness and alienation. This imagery paints a picture of someone who feels fundamentally different from others, as if they were born into a life of solitude and emotional void.

The woods serve as a sanctuary from the 'winds of war' outside, symbolizing the chaos and conflict of the external world. The protagonist hides from the violence and judgment of society, conveyed through the lines 'The birds they bring me stories from the East / The men are running down to kill the beast.' Here, the birds act as messengers, bringing news of the outside world, while the men represent societal forces that seek to destroy what they do not understand. The protagonist is labeled as 'the beast,' a scapegoat for the fears and prejudices of others.

The recurring refrain 'I'm afraid of them / They say I'm the beast but / I'm not ready for war' underscores the protagonist's internal conflict. They are terrified of the outside world and its inhabitants, who see them as a threat. This fear is compounded by a sense of unpreparedness for the inevitable confrontation. The final verse, 'They made me swallow seven roses' thorns / To make me feel the pain their hearts had felt before,' highlights the cruelty and suffering inflicted upon the protagonist. This act of forced empathy is a poignant commentary on how society often imposes its pain onto those it deems different, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and violence.