Art Kills
Delain
The Paradox of Creation: Delain's 'Art Kills'
Delain's song 'Art Kills' delves into the complex relationship between creation and destruction, both on a personal and societal level. The lyrics open with a reflective tone, questioning the impact of human activity on the natural world. The line 'Tell me how deep do I dig to find the soil untouched by humanity?' suggests a search for purity and untouched nature, highlighting the pervasive influence of human actions on the environment. This sets the stage for a broader commentary on the consequences of our creative endeavors.
The chorus, 'Look what we started, we built a house and wrecked a home,' encapsulates the central paradox of the song. It speaks to the idea that while humans have the capacity to create and build, these same actions often lead to unintended destruction. The phrase 'Art kills the artist' further emphasizes this paradox, suggesting that the very act of creation can be detrimental to the creator. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the sacrifices artists make for their work, or more broadly, the way in which human innovation can lead to self-destruction.
The repeated imagery of weaving a 'tapestry too tight around the Earth' serves as a metaphor for the suffocating impact of human activity on the planet. It implies that our attempts to control and shape the world around us can ultimately lead to its downfall. Delain's use of the term 'God-forsaken' adds a layer of existential despair, suggesting that humanity's relentless pursuit of progress has led us away from a more harmonious existence. Through 'Art Kills,' Delain invites listeners to reflect on the dual nature of creation and the responsibility that comes with it.