Cherry Waves

Deftones, known for their atmospheric blend of alternative metal and nuanced emotion, often craft songs that delve into complex emotional landscapes. 'Cherry Waves,' a track from their 2006 album 'Saturday Night Wrist,' is no exception. The song's lyrics paint a picture of a tumultuous relationship through the metaphor of drowning in a sea of waves, which can be interpreted as the overwhelming feelings that come with intense connections.

The repeated imagery of water and drowning in 'Cherry Waves' suggests a relationship that is both consuming and suffocating. The line 'A sea of waves we hug the same plank' could imply a desperate clinging to a shared but fragile support in a vast and uncontrollable emotional sea. The protagonist seems to be reflecting on the relationship, acknowledging the danger ('The waves suck you in and you drown') but also expressing a willingness to be submerged in it ('If like, you should sink down beneath / I'll swim down, would you?'). This willingness to follow the other person into the depths, even if it means drowning, speaks to the intensity of the bond and the lengths one might go to for love or connection.

The song also touches on the idea of being weighed down by the other person, as seen in the lyrics 'You hang the anchors over my neck.' Initially, the weight is accepted, perhaps even welcomed, but it eventually becomes too much ('The crazier I came'). The repeated questioning ('Is that what you want?') could indicate a sense of uncertainty and a search for validation or understanding within the relationship. The song's outro, with its calls to 'Escape / Below,' might suggest a desire to break free from the emotional turmoil or to fully embrace it, leaving the interpretation open to the listener. 'Cherry Waves' is a powerful exploration of the darker, more obsessive aspects of love and the complex dynamics that can exist within a relationship.