Spikes

Death Grips' song 'Spikes' is a visceral journey through chaos, self-destruction, and existential dread. The lyrics are a whirlwind of fragmented imagery and intense emotions, reflecting the band's signature style of blending aggressive, experimental sounds with raw, unfiltered lyricism. The recurring motif of 'spikes' serves as a metaphor for the sharp, painful experiences and the relentless pull of destructive tendencies that the narrator grapples with throughout the song.

The opening lines, 'Headless / I skid like Rita lifted ocean,' set the tone for the song's disorienting and turbulent atmosphere. The narrator describes a sense of being unmoored and out of control, likening their experience to a planet that doesn't spin. This imagery of skidding and drifting recurs throughout the song, symbolizing a lack of direction and the chaotic nature of their existence. The mention of 'turbulence' and 'massive demands' further emphasizes the overwhelming and relentless pressures they face.

The chorus, with its repetitive chant of 'spikes, spikes, spikes,' underscores the persistent and inescapable nature of these painful experiences. The line 'Greed tastes like sin' suggests a critique of materialism and the corrupting influence of greed, which adds another layer of meaning to the song. The narrator's struggle with their own impulses and the external forces pulling them in different directions is palpable, creating a sense of tension and inner conflict.

In the latter part of the song, the imagery becomes even more intense and surreal. Lines like 'My skids 'til the brink, I jizz snowmen' and 'Tall knives in my grill feel potent' evoke a sense of violent, almost apocalyptic chaos. The narrator's sense of self seems to disintegrate, as they describe themselves as 'all helter skelter' and 'on that Faust,' referencing the legendary figure who made a pact with the devil. This allusion to Faust highlights the theme of self-destruction and the consequences of one's choices. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance of their fate, as the narrator declares, 'I’m finally astral now, grab my stems,' suggesting a release from their earthly struggles and a transcendence to a different plane of existence.