Badthings

Ellise's song 'Badthings' delves into the complex and often contradictory emotions associated with pain, chaos, and self-destruction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who finds a twisted sense of comfort and identity in the midst of turmoil. The opening lines, 'Salt inside the cut, keep it up / Rub it in and kiss me,' set the tone for a narrative that explores the fine line between love and addiction, and the protagonist's struggle to distinguish between the two. This metaphor of salt in a wound suggests a masochistic pleasure derived from pain, hinting at a deeper psychological conflict.

The recurring theme of flames and burning in the imagination symbolizes the intense and consuming nature of these emotions. 'Flames burn / In my imagination / Hate, hurt / That's where I feel the safest' suggests that the protagonist feels most alive and secure in the midst of emotional chaos. This paradoxical comfort in discomfort is further emphasized by the lines 'Play, destroy, the badthings bring me joy,' indicating a cyclical pattern of seeking out destructive experiences for the fleeting moments of joy they bring.

Ellise's portrayal of a character who rejects help and embraces chaos ('I don't want your help, I don't want your touch / I'm not getting freed, no / I'm complete, need the chaos') speaks to a deeper sense of identity and self-worth tied to these negative experiences. The imagery of being on a 'stainless-steel table' and feeling like an 'infant in the cradle' surrounded by probing fingers evokes a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, yet the protagonist seems to derive strength from this very vulnerability. The song ultimately captures the allure of self-destruction and the complex interplay between pain and pleasure, making it a hauntingly relatable exploration of the darker aspects of human emotion.