Hyena

Editors' song 'Hyena' delves into the absurdity and darkness of human existence, using the metaphor of a hyena to symbolize a cynical, almost nihilistic perspective on life. The lyrics open with a call for attention and care, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a world in turmoil ('There's a country to flatten over there'). This stark contrast sets the tone for the song, highlighting the dissonance between personal concerns and global chaos. The narrator's request to 'write down the things I should say' and 'perfect my cold stare' suggests a sense of detachment and artificiality, as if navigating life through a script rather than genuine emotion.

The recurring line 'The hunger makes the man' speaks to a primal drive that defines human behavior. This hunger could be interpreted as a metaphor for ambition, desire, or even survival instincts, which often lead to actions that seem absurd or ridiculous when viewed from a broader perspective. The world, with all its complexities and contradictions, appears laughable to the narrator, who invites the listener to 'laugh with me, hyena.' The hyena, known for its eerie laughter, becomes a symbol of this dark humor, a way to cope with the absurdity of existence.

The song also touches on themes of pain and resilience, as seen in the lines 'I love you, I love my black eye / These knots I'll never untie.' The black eye and knots represent scars and unresolved issues, yet they are embraced as part of one's identity. The narrator finds a twisted sense of pride and history in these scars, suggesting that suffering and struggle are integral to the human experience. By laughing in the face of adversity, the song encourages a form of acceptance and defiance, turning pain into a shared, almost cathartic experience.