Red (feat. Alex Boniello)

Kylie Cantrall's song 'Red (feat. Alex Boniello)' is a powerful anthem of rebellion and defiance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is a 'rebel' and a 'one-girl riot,' slipping through the shadows and causing chaos. The use of 'ultraviolet' suggests a hidden, yet intense presence, much like ultraviolet light, which is invisible but powerful. The imagery of 'hearts on the walls, but no love in these streets' speaks to a world that is outwardly decorated with symbols of love but is devoid of genuine affection and warmth. This sets the stage for the protagonist's 'appetite for destruction,' driven by a need to disrupt and challenge the status quo.

The chorus, with its repeated calls to 'set it off' and 'go berserk,' emphasizes the protagonist's determination to make a significant impact. The metaphor of lighting up the night 'like fireworks' suggests a brief but brilliant burst of energy and change. The color red, repeated throughout the song, symbolizes both the passion and the violence of the rebellion. It is a color associated with both love and anger, fitting the dual nature of the protagonist's mission. The line 'Burn it down! Till all they see is now' encapsulates the desire to erase the past and create a new reality, one that is defined by the protagonist's vision.

The song also critiques blind loyalty and the oppressive rule of a 'queen.' The lines 'It's criminal how you follow the crown' and 'I don't want my life ruled by some queen' highlight the protagonist's disdain for authority and the desire for autonomy. The repeated phrase 'off with their heads' is a direct reference to the ruthless tactics of the queen, but it is also a rallying cry for the protagonist's own revolution. The song's energy and defiance are infectious, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt the need to challenge the powers that be and create their own path.