Vertigo

Deafheaven's song 'Vertigo' is a profound exploration of existential despair and the haunting nature of past experiences. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels like a 'servant to the night,' suggesting a life overshadowed by darkness and melancholy. The imagery of the 'Moon dreaming of the dirt' and the 'sharp tongue of your zealous will' conveys a sense of internal conflict and bitterness, where aspirations are tainted by harsh realities. The 'approaching eulogy of the world' hints at a pervasive sense of doom and the inevitability of decay and loss.

The song delves into the theme of youth and the lingering impact of past traumas. The 'patterns of youth' and the 'ghost of your aches' symbolize the cyclical nature of suffering and the way old wounds continue to affect the present. The line 'the forging of change makes no difference' reflects a sense of futility, as if efforts to alter one's circumstances are ultimately in vain. This is further emphasized by the imagery of 'memories flying through the mask of your life,' suggesting that the past is an ever-present force that shapes one's identity and experiences.

The lyrics also touch on themes of apathy and resignation. The 'hunched over in apathetic grief' and 'disregard for steps except the one taken back' illustrate a state of emotional paralysis and retreat. The metaphor of being 'perched up on a rope crafted in smoke' evokes a precarious existence, where hope is fragile and easily shattered. The 'slave to reality under a monarch in the sky' suggests a sense of powerlessness and subjugation to an indifferent universe. Ultimately, 'Vertigo' is a poignant reflection on the struggle to find meaning and light amidst the shadows of one's past and the relentless march of time.