XXX

Helium's song "XXX" delves into the complexities of love, commodification, and self-worth through a series of vivid metaphors and striking imagery. The lyrics open with a stark declaration: love isn't free, and the protagonist is willing to accept it only if it comes with tangible benefits. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the transactional nature of relationships, where emotional investment is weighed against material gain.

The recurring metaphor of feeling like candy suggests a sense of being desirable yet disposable. Candy is sweet and tempting but ultimately consumed and forgotten, much like how the protagonist feels in the relationship. The mention of a wallet and a heart worn like a locket underscores the tension between materialism and genuine emotion. The protagonist's heart, easily taken off and put back on, symbolizes a guarded approach to love, where vulnerability is a luxury they can't afford.

The imagery of a fallen Maraschino cherry and a candy-red sports car further accentuates the theme of superficial allure versus deeper emotional needs. The protagonist's heart, described as a cab rather than a sports car, signifies practicality and endurance, contrasting sharply with the fleeting, flashy nature of their partner's affection. The repeated line about making money, followed by the clarification that it's a joke, hints at the deeper cost of the relationship—emotional and perhaps even existential. The song concludes with a sense of empowerment, as the protagonist acknowledges their worth and the true price their partner will pay: not in money, but in life and emotional investment.

"XXX" by Helium is a poignant exploration of love's complexities, wrapped in a candy-coated metaphor that reveals the bittersweet reality of emotional transactions.