Flat Of The Blade

Massive Attack's 'Flat Of The Blade' delves into the psyche of a person burdened by their past experiences and the skills they possess but cannot openly discuss. The repeated line, 'I'm not good in a crowd, I got skills I can't speak of,' suggests a sense of isolation and secrecy. This individual is haunted by their past, with the phrase 'Things I've seen will chase me to the grave' indicating that these experiences are inescapable and will follow them throughout their life.

The song's imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of struggle and resilience. Lines like 'Led with your hands tied, fetters and flies' and 'You stumble the dunes, complain to the moon' evoke a sense of being trapped and struggling against insurmountable odds. The metaphor of 'Backs to the wheel, there's granite to shove' suggests relentless hard work and perseverance, despite the weight of the burdens they carry.

The chorus, 'How does it feel, the weight of the steel? The weight of the steel, the flat of the blade,' brings a physical dimension to the emotional weight the protagonist feels. The 'flat of the blade' could symbolize the blunt force of life's challenges, as opposed to a sharp, cutting edge. The song also touches on themes of defeat and the consequences of one's choices, as seen in the lines 'How does it feel to kneel at defeat? At the choices you make.' Ultimately, the protagonist's determination to 'build for my family a bulletproof love' signifies a desire to protect and provide for their loved ones, despite the heavy burdens they bear.