Search + Destroy

Kerli's song 'Search + Destroy' delves into the complex interplay between love and fear, exploring how these powerful emotions shape our actions and perceptions. The lyrics question the identity of the self ('Who's the I, I seek to defend') and the motivations behind condemning others. This introspective journey highlights the destructive nature of fear and the illusion of separation it creates among people. By feeding into fear and hatred, the song suggests that we inadvertently empower negativity, creating 'underworlds' and dark realities.

The recurring theme of 'Search and destroy' juxtaposes the idea of fear as the ultimate evil against the potential for love to either damn or save. This duality is evident in lines like 'Bringing the love to damnation' and 'Bringing the love is the salvation,' suggesting that love can be both a destructive and redemptive force, depending on how it is wielded. The imagery of being 'swallowed up by the sunshine' and taking 'a trip to the dark side' further emphasizes the internal conflict between light and darkness, love and fear.

Kerli's lyrics also touch on the futility of combating hate with more hate, as it only perpetuates a cycle of negativity ('I used to fight the hate with hatred / Ended up on the same vibration'). Instead, the song advocates for breaking this cycle by recognizing the illusion of separation and embracing love as a means of salvation. The message is clear: to truly overcome fear and hatred, one must transcend these emotions and seek unity and understanding.