Elite

Deftones' song 'Elite' delves into the dark and often destructive allure of fame and the pressures that come with it. The repetitive phrase 'When you're ripe, you'll bleed out of control' serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable breakdown that occurs when someone reaches their peak. The word 'ripe' suggests a state of readiness or maturity, but in this context, it also implies a point of vulnerability where one is most susceptible to falling apart. The imagery of bleeding out of control underscores the uncontrollable nature of this downfall, hinting at both physical and emotional unraveling.

The lyrics also touch on the superficiality and emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of fame. Lines like 'You like attention, it proves to you you're alive' and 'Stop parading your angles' criticize the need for external validation and the facade that many put up to appear successful. The mention of being 'pregnant with all this space, thick with honey, but I lost my taste' further emphasizes the hollowness that can come with achieving fame. The sweetness of honey contrasts with the loss of taste, symbolizing how something that once seemed desirable can become meaningless.

Additionally, the song addresses the theme of depression and its connection to the pressures of fame. The line 'You're into depression cause it matches your eyes' suggests a deep-seated sadness that aligns with the persona one projects to the world. The repeated question 'Confused? You'll know when you're ripe' implies that the realization of one's true state often comes too late, only when they are on the brink of collapse. Through 'Elite,' Deftones paint a grim picture of the cost of fame, highlighting the internal and external struggles that come with it.