Delete Forever
Grimes
The Haunting Struggle of Addiction and Loss in 'Delete Forever'
Grimes' song 'Delete Forever' delves into the dark and haunting themes of addiction, loss, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their inner demons, unable to escape the haunting memories and feelings that plague them. The opening lines, 'Lying so awake, things I can't escape / Lately, I just turn 'em into demons,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the protagonist's struggle with insomnia and the transformation of their thoughts into tormenting entities.
The reference to 'fucking heroin' and 'more lines on the mirror than a sonnet' suggests a battle with substance abuse, specifically heroin and cocaine. These lines underscore the destructive nature of addiction, where the protagonist uses drugs as a coping mechanism, only to find themselves further entangled in their despair. The repeated phrase 'I see everything' indicates a heightened awareness of their situation, yet they feel powerless to change it, leading to a sense of resignation and acceptance of their 'rotten luck.'
The song also touches on the theme of loss, with the line 'lost so many men' hinting at the death of friends or loved ones, possibly due to similar struggles with addiction. This loss compounds the protagonist's grief and fuels their sense of hopelessness. The phrase 'permanent blue' encapsulates the enduring sadness that permeates their life, while the admission 'I guess I fucking love it' reveals a complex relationship with their pain, suggesting a paradoxical attachment to their suffering. 'Delete Forever' is a poignant exploration of the cyclical nature of addiction and the profound impact of loss, capturing the raw and unfiltered emotions of someone caught in this relentless struggle.