In Bad Dreams

Crippled Black Phoenix's song 'In Bad Dreams' delves into the haunting and often painful remnants of a past relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has turned sour, leaving behind only memories that manifest as nightmares. The opening lines, 'When you sleep do you see an angel in dying lights? Or can you see someone standing outside trying to set you alight?' suggest a dichotomy between the beauty and the destruction that love can bring. The imagery of an 'angel in dying lights' juxtaposed with someone 'trying to set you alight' captures the conflicting emotions of longing and resentment.

The song further explores the idea of missed opportunities and what-ifs with the lines, 'Or maybe you've seen someone somewhere before that I might have loved if I'd never loved you.' This reflects the narrator's contemplation of alternate realities where different choices could have led to different outcomes. It speaks to the universal human experience of wondering about the paths not taken and the people we might have become.

The recurring refrain, 'But you only see me in bad dreams,' underscores the lingering impact of the relationship. It suggests that the narrator's presence in the other person's life is now only associated with pain and regret. The repetition of 'bad dreams' emphasizes the inescapable nature of these memories, haunting both the narrator and their former lover. Crippled Black Phoenix's melancholic musical style, characterized by its blend of post-rock and progressive elements, enhances the song's emotional depth, making 'In Bad Dreams' a poignant exploration of love's darker side.