Black

Kari Kimmel's song 'Black' delves into the emotional turmoil and existential crisis that one faces when everything seems to fall apart. The opening lines, 'When everything has turned to black / You don't know where to go,' set the stage for a narrative of despair and confusion. The color black here symbolizes a state of hopelessness and loss, where the protagonist is searching for something to 'justify your soul.' This search for meaning and validation is a central theme, reflecting a deep inner struggle.

The song further explores the erosion of confidence and the breaking of silences, suggesting a loss of personal strength and the overwhelming nature of external pressures. 'All the people selling truths / On every corner now' points to the societal pressures and the bombardment of conflicting information that can lead to further disorientation. The changing rules and the feeling of living in sin highlight a world in moral and ethical flux, where the protagonist feels everything is 'caving in.' The imagery of holding onto something that slips 'like water through your hands' poignantly captures the sense of helplessness and the fleeting nature of stability.

In the latter part of the song, Kimmel introduces the idea of unseen forces shaping one's destiny, with 'allegiances' and 'opposition' feeding off the protagonist's soul. This can be interpreted as the influence of societal expectations and internal demons that threaten to consume one's hope. The repeated 'Lalala' serves as a haunting refrain, echoing the emptiness and the struggle to maintain one's sanity amidst chaos. The song ultimately portrays a battle against despair, urging the listener to recognize and confront the forces that seek to undermine their spirit.