Savory

Deftones' song 'Savory' delves into the complex interplay between innocence and complicity, using the metaphor of an 'angel' to explore themes of purity, guilt, and manipulation. The lyrics open with a direct address to an 'angel,' a figure traditionally associated with purity and goodness. However, the angel is 'framed to be consumed,' suggesting a loss of innocence and a transformation into an object of desire or exploitation. This duality is further emphasized by the word 'savory,' which implies something to be enjoyed or relished, adding a layer of sensuality and moral ambiguity to the angel's position.

The repeated plea for the angel to 'fly over and bless me' introduces a sense of desperation and need for redemption. Yet, the angel's 'feigned surprise' and the line 'I'm all eyes, you're all you need to be' suggest a performative aspect to this purity. The angel is aware of their role and the expectations placed upon them, but there is a sense of detachment or resignation. This detachment is further explored in the lines 'whatever position we consider fit to put you in, you'll protest your complicity.' Here, the angel's protest is acknowledged but ultimately dismissed, highlighting the power dynamics at play and the inevitability of their complicity in the situation.

The closing line, 'Easy now, one hand will wash the other,' encapsulates the song's central theme of mutual dependence and moral compromise. It suggests that both parties are entangled in a cycle of guilt and redemption, each complicit in the other's actions. This line also evokes the idea of cleansing or absolution, but in a way that is transactional rather than genuine. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting imagery, 'Savory' by Deftones offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of innocence, guilt, and the human condition.