Anti-Lullaby

Karen O's 'Anti-Lullaby' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that subverts the traditional concept of a lullaby. Instead of offering comfort and solace, the song warns against sleep, creating an atmosphere of unease and tension. The lyrics, 'Do not sleep, my starling / Sleep, my doe,' immediately set a tone of caution. The use of 'starling' and 'doe' as terms of endearment juxtaposes the gentle nature of these creatures with the ominous warning, suggesting a protective yet anxious sentiment from the narrator.

The imagery in the song is both vivid and chilling. Phrases like 'wrapped in curtains / Laid in snow' and 'She will bury you inside her fur' evoke a sense of being enveloped and suffocated. The 'she' in the song appears to be a metaphorical figure, perhaps representing death, danger, or an overwhelming force that the narrator fears. This figure 'waits for you to sleep,' implying that sleep is a vulnerable state where one might be overtaken by this lurking threat.

The repetition of 'Do not sleep' throughout the song reinforces the urgency and desperation in the narrator's voice. The lines 'My breath you breathe / It will carry you' suggest a deep connection between the narrator and the listener, as if the narrator's very essence is intertwined with the listener's survival. This connection adds a layer of intimacy and protectiveness, making the warning against sleep even more poignant. Karen O's ethereal and haunting vocal delivery further amplifies the song's eerie and unsettling mood, making 'Anti-Lullaby' a compelling exploration of fear, protection, and the unknown.