Aftertaste

Hey Violet's song 'Aftertaste' delves into the struggles of maintaining individuality in a world that demands conformity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the pressures to fit into societal norms, especially for women. The opening lines, 'Keep my eyes low / And smile when I'm told,' highlight the expectation for women to be submissive and agreeable. The protagonist's defiance is evident as she acknowledges the labels placed upon her, such as being called a 'whore,' and her desire for more than what is deemed acceptable by society.

The recurring theme of being 'pretty with my mouth shut' underscores the societal preference for women to be seen and not heard. The protagonist's refusal to conform to these expectations is met with hostility, as depicted in the lines, 'If they could, then they'd tear me down to the bone.' This metaphor of being 'swallowed whole' and left with a 'bad aftertaste' symbolizes the emotional and psychological toll of constantly battling against societal pressures.

The song also touches on the duality of being perceived as both 'innocent and young' and 'acid on the tongue.' This juxtaposition highlights the complexity of the protagonist's identity and the difficulty of navigating a world that demands simplicity and compliance. The repeated assertion that 'this the life I live, not the life I chose' emphasizes the lack of agency and the struggle to reclaim one's voice and identity. Ultimately, 'Aftertaste' is a powerful anthem of resistance against the forces that seek to diminish individuality and silence dissent.