Mascara

Deftones' song 'Mascara' from their 1997 album 'Around the Fur' delves into the complexities of a troubled relationship, marked by a mix of desire and disdain. The lyrics, penned by lead vocalist Chino Moreno, often explore themes of love, pain, and the darker aspects of human emotion, which are vividly portrayed in this track.

The opening lines of 'Mascara' suggest a sense of inevitability and surrender, as the speaker feels they will 'sink' into the other person, indicating a deep, possibly overwhelming connection. The mention of 'blood in your hair' and 'the bruise of the year' implies a relationship that has experienced violence or intense conflict. Yet, despite these signs of turmoil, there's an undeniable attraction, particularly to her 'long shady eyes,' which could symbolize a mysterious or seductive quality that the speaker finds irresistible.

The chorus reveals a love-hate dynamic, where the speaker expresses dislike for the partner's tattoos and perceives them as physically weak ('you have weak wrists'), yet still feels a compulsion to maintain the relationship. The repetition of 'it's too bad' followed by 'you're married to me' at the end of the song could be interpreted as a resignation to the dysfunctional bond they share, suggesting that both parties are trapped in a marriage that is perhaps damaging, yet inescapable due to the complex emotions involved.