Bad Things
Cults
Escaping the Shadows: The Dark Realities of 'Bad Things' by Cults
Cults' song 'Bad Things' delves into the darker aspects of life, exploring themes of inevitability and the struggle to escape one's fate. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has become desensitized to the misfortunes that befall those around them. The repeated line, 'Bad things happen to the people you love,' suggests a sense of fatalism, as if the singer believes that suffering is an unavoidable part of life. This is further emphasized by the admission of a lack of sympathy, indicating a hardened heart shaped by personal experiences of hardship.
The recurring motif of running away in the chorus symbolizes a desire to escape from these dark realities. The phrase 'run, run away, run, run away, run away' is almost hypnotic, reflecting a desperate need to flee from the pain and negativity that seem to follow the singer. The mention of showing 'which color is black' could be interpreted as a metaphor for revealing one's true self or the darkness within, suggesting that the act of running away is also a journey of self-discovery.
In the latter part of the song, there's a glimmer of hope as the singer talks about shining and being wrapped in light. This contrast between light and dark highlights the internal conflict between giving up and striving for a better future. However, the overall tone remains somber, as the singer admits to having given up on fights, indicating a sense of resignation. Cults' 'Bad Things' is a haunting reflection on the inevitability of suffering and the complex emotions that come with trying to escape it.