Iron Lung

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song "Iron Lung" delves into the harrowing experience of being confined to a mechanical respirator, often referred to as an iron lung. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the physical and psychological struggles faced by someone whose body has failed them, leaving them dependent on this life-sustaining machine. The repeated phrase "iron lung" underscores the inescapable reality of the protagonist's situation, emphasizing the claustrophobic and relentless nature of their confinement.

The song employs a variety of metaphors to convey the protagonist's sense of entrapment and helplessness. Phrases like "wrapped in iron," "deathless purgatory," and "cylindrical prison" evoke a sense of being trapped in a metallic cocoon, where every breath is a struggle. The imagery of a "space shuttle," "snail shell," and "merry-go-round" juxtaposes the mundane with the extraordinary, highlighting the surreal and disorienting experience of living in an iron lung. The lyrics also touch on the mental toll of this condition, with lines like "can't crumble like a biscuit" and "keep my mind distracted from the swish-swish" suggesting a constant battle to maintain sanity and positivity.

The song's references to medical equipment and procedures, such as "negative pressure," "positive pressure," and "mechanical bull respirator," add a layer of clinical detachment to the narrative. This detachment contrasts sharply with the visceral descriptions of physical sensations, like "frog breath," "neck paralysis," and "pins and needles like a voodoo evil." These lines convey the protagonist's acute awareness of their body's limitations and the discomfort they endure. The repeated mention of "frog breath" and "steam tent" evokes a sense of suffocation and confinement, further emphasizing the protagonist's struggle to breathe and survive within the iron lung.

"Iron Lung" is a powerful exploration of the intersection between technology and human vulnerability. It captures the tension between the life-saving capabilities of medical machinery and the dehumanizing effects of prolonged dependence on such devices. The song's haunting lyrics and evocative imagery invite listeners to contemplate the fragility of the human body and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.