Through The Hosiery
Crystal Castles
The Haunting Desperation in Crystal Castles' 'Through The Hosiery'
Crystal Castles' 'Through The Hosiery' is a dark and enigmatic exploration of themes such as emotional numbness, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics are cryptic and filled with vivid, often disturbing imagery that evokes a sense of despair and longing. The repeated line, 'Through the hosiery, to the ovaries, to the oven,' suggests a journey through layers of physical and emotional barriers, possibly alluding to the process of creation and destruction, both literally and metaphorically.
The song delves into the idea of wanting something so intensely that it leads to a sense of emptiness and numbness. Lines like 'How does it feel when you can’t feel nothing?' highlight the paradox of seeking fulfillment only to end up feeling void. The imagery of a 'stillborn fawn crawling to the door' and 'blood on my hands' further emphasizes the themes of loss and guilt, suggesting a cycle of creation that ends in tragedy and remorse.
The references to 'fifteen years' and 'preteen years of deficiency' hint at a prolonged period of waiting and suffering, possibly reflecting on the artist's own experiences or a broader commentary on societal pressures and expectations. The mention of 'sulfur' and 'borrowed your womb' adds a layer of alchemical and sacrificial symbolism, indicating a transformation that comes at a great personal cost. Overall, the song paints a bleak yet compelling picture of the human condition, marked by a relentless pursuit of meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it.