Empathy

Crystal Castles' song 'Empathy' delves into the complexities of human emotions and societal expectations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where individuals are pressured to conform and earn empathy through symmetry, both metaphorically and literally. The opening lines, 'Premise to interlude / Wait 'till all bones protrude,' suggest a transformation or a painful process of change, hinting at the sacrifices one must make to fit into societal molds. The mention of 'semi-sweet, semicide' reflects the bittersweet nature of this transformation, where parts of oneself are metaphorically killed off to meet external expectations.

The recurring theme of symmetry in the song underscores the idea of balance and uniformity. 'You must work in symmetry / You must earn their empathy' implies that empathy is not freely given but must be earned by adhering to societal norms and expectations. This notion is further emphasized in the lines 'Eat right out of their hand / It's concaved all your glands,' suggesting a loss of individuality and autonomy in the pursuit of acceptance and empathy. The imagery of 'cities fall down on me' evokes a sense of overwhelming pressure and the collapse of personal identity under societal demands.

The song also touches on the concept of self-awareness and control. 'The final chrysalis / Self-controlled consciousness' indicates a state of transformation and heightened awareness, yet it is done 'for your benefit,' implying that even self-improvement is driven by external validation. The repetition of 'You must earn our empathy' at the end of the song serves as a haunting reminder of the relentless pursuit of acceptance and the emotional toll it takes. Crystal Castles uses a blend of dark, electronic sounds and poignant lyrics to explore the struggle for empathy in a world that demands conformity and sacrifices individuality.