Stella Was a Diver And She Was Always Down

Interpol's 'Stella Was a Diver And She Was Always Down' is a track that delves into the story of a character named Stella, whose life and experiences are metaphorically compared to the depths of the ocean. The song is from their debut album 'Turn on the Bright Lights', which is known for its dark and atmospheric post-punk revival sound. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is constantly observed by others, suggesting a sense of exposure and vulnerability. The 'building fronts' serve as a metaphor for the facades people put up, which only serve to hide the true nature of their scrutiny.

The chorus, 'She was all right cause the sea was so airtight, She broke away,' suggests that Stella finds solace in the isolation of the sea, a place where she can escape the constant gaze of the world above. The repetition of 'She broke away' emphasizes her desire for freedom and her success in achieving it, albeit in a space that is separate from the rest of society. The sea here can be seen as a metaphor for the subconscious or a different state of being where Stella feels more at home.

The song takes a darker turn with the lines 'Well, she was my catatonic sex toy, love-joy diver,' which could imply objectification and a loss of agency. This line starkly contrasts with the earlier parts of the song, suggesting that while Stella may have found a way to break away from the public eye, she may still be trapped in a different way. The song ends with a sense of something inescapable and tragic, as the lyrics speak of something invisible and the inability to hide, which could symbolize the internal struggles that follow Stella even into her depths of escape.