arsonists

Ethan Bortnick's song "arsonists" delves into the tumultuous emotions of a relationship fraught with pain, betrayal, and unfulfilled expectations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is destined to fail, with the protagonist already aware of the impending heartbreak. The opening lines, "Something about you already hurts / Already know we will crash and burn," set the tone for a narrative steeped in foreboding and emotional turmoil. The sense of familiarity in the worst ways and the double booking on Valentine's Day highlight the neglect and lack of genuine affection from the partner, further deepening the sense of inevitable doom.

The chorus, with its repeated lines, "Here’s to us being left in the dust / And a cycle we can’t break," underscores the cyclical nature of toxic relationships. The protagonist's desire to be an arsonist, to burn bridges without shame, symbolizes a longing for liberation from the emotional chains that bind them. This metaphor of arson reflects a desperate need to sever ties and escape the recurring pain, even if it means resorting to drastic measures. The imagery of flipping a coin and being the second choice adds to the feeling of being undervalued and unimportant in the relationship.

The song also touches on themes of self-awareness and hypocrisy. The lines, "Fuck this / No one to blame but myself / You’re doing exactly what I would do / Everyone’s a hypocrite," reveal a moment of introspection where the protagonist acknowledges their own flaws and the universal nature of hypocrisy in relationships. This self-reflection adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a tale of betrayal but also one of personal growth and realization. Ethan Bortnick's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make "arsonists" a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and the pain of unreciprocated feelings.