Ravenous, Ravenous Rhinos

“Ravenous, Ravenous Rhinos” by I Set My Friends On Fire is a whirlwind of chaotic energy and existential questioning, wrapped in a post-hardcore musical style. The song opens with a jarring exclamation, setting the tone for a piece that is both frenetic and introspective. The lyrics delve into the nature of communication, both auditory and emotional, questioning the purpose and impact of our interactions. The mention of 'periodic reverberations of our gaseous medium' is a poetic way of describing sound waves, highlighting the scientific underpinnings of something as seemingly simple as speech or music.

The song's chorus, with its repeated calls to 'create, cognize, and recognize,' suggests a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of knowledge and understanding. The band seems to be grappling with the idea of whether our thoughts and creations can truly be understood and appreciated by others. This is further emphasized by the lines questioning if the 'noise' is supposed to be a secret, and the demand for meaning, which reflects a frustration with superficial or meaningless communication.

The latter part of the song introduces a metaphorical relationship with music, personifying it as a mistress or a fling. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of inspiration and the often temporary satisfaction that creative endeavors can bring. The repetition of 'you'd just be a fling' underscores a sense of disillusionment, perhaps with the music industry or the creative process itself. Overall, the song is a complex exploration of communication, creativity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.