Crush

Ethel Cain's song 'Crush' delves into the complex emotions and turbulent lives of young people caught in a cycle of rebellion and self-destruction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who is deeply troubled, with a father on death row and a mother who constantly compares him to his more successful brother. This backdrop of familial dysfunction sets the stage for his descent into a life of petty crime and substance abuse, symbolized by his camo jacket and the guns he keeps in his locker. Despite his tough exterior, he struggles with saying no, indicating a vulnerability that he tries to mask with bravado.

The narrator of the song is equally captivated and repelled by this young man. She acknowledges his flaws and the dangerous path he is on, yet she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. This attraction is tinged with a sense of fatalism, as she notes that 'good men die too,' suggesting that she would rather be with someone flawed and real than someone who fits the mold of societal expectations. The imagery of 'robbing corner stores' and 'hard odds to beat when you’re on all fours' underscores the desperation and recklessness that define their lives.

The song also explores themes of identity and self-worth. The narrator's desire to be with this troubled young man is not just about him; it's also a reflection of her own struggles and insecurities. She wants him to affirm her worth by saying he wants her first, and she revels in the gritty, raw aspects of his persona, from his work-worn hands to the smell of Marlboro reds. This mutual attraction is a form of rebellion against the expectations and judgments of the world around them, a way to carve out their own identities in a society that has already written them off.