Colossus

Idles' song 'Colossus' is a raw and powerful exploration of personal identity, legacy, and the struggle to break free from the shadows of the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with the weight of their father's influence and the societal expectations placed upon them. The opening lines, 'I was done in on the weekend / The weekend lasted twenty years,' suggest a prolonged period of struggle and self-destruction, hinting at a life marked by excess and turmoil. The reference to being 'the world's best bulimic bartend' adds a layer of complexity, highlighting issues of self-image and internal conflict.

The recurring line, 'I am my father's son / His shadow weighs a tonne,' underscores the central theme of the song: the heavy burden of living up to or escaping from a paternal legacy. This weight is further emphasized by the repeated phrase 'Goes and it goes and it goes,' which conveys a sense of relentless, inescapable pressure. The protagonist's plea for forgiveness and the imagery of a body 'full of pins' and 'splintered shins' evoke a sense of physical and emotional pain, suggesting a life of self-inflicted wounds and relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist rejects traditional notions of masculinity and societal roles, declaring, 'I don't want to be your man, your man.' This rejection is followed by a series of comparisons to various cultural figures, from Stone Cold Steve Austin to Jesus Christ, each representing different facets of strength, rebellion, and sacrifice. These references serve to illustrate the protagonist's complex identity, one that defies simple categorization and embraces a multitude of influences. Ultimately, 'Colossus' is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and the struggle to forge one's own path in the face of overwhelming expectations and inherited burdens.