Exxus

Glass Animals' song 'Exxus' is a haunting and surreal narrative that delves into themes of fear, escape, and confrontation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nightmarish scenario where the protagonist is entangled with a menacing figure. The repeated advice to 'look him in the eye' and 'hook him with your right' suggests a need for direct confrontation and self-defense against this ominous presence. The imagery of 'a bag of raven's legs' and 'nunchaku with his torn off legs' adds a grotesque and unsettling layer to the song, evoking a sense of horror and macabre.

The recurring line 'You wake up with a hatchet over your head' symbolizes a constant threat and the feeling of being trapped in a perilous situation. This line, coupled with the description of waking up in such a state, suggests a cycle of fear and danger that the protagonist cannot easily escape. The urgency and desperation are further emphasized by the repeated refrain 'I can see you running,' indicating a frantic attempt to flee from this relentless danger. The phrase 'gone in the blink of my eye' underscores the fleeting nature of safety and the ever-present risk of being caught.

The song's dark and violent imagery, such as 'slit his tongue with one fast hand' and 'tie his arms with hair from his head,' conveys a sense of primal survival instincts. The protagonist's actions are driven by a need to overpower and incapacitate the threat, using whatever means necessary. This brutal and visceral depiction of self-defense highlights the extreme measures one might take when faced with life-threatening danger. Glass Animals' use of surreal and disturbing visuals creates a chilling atmosphere, making 'Exxus' a compelling exploration of fear, survival, and the human psyche's darker corners.