Wet Blanket

Metric's song "Wet Blanket" delves into the dynamics of a toxic relationship, where one partner is manipulative and controlling. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person, referred to as a "creep" and a "body leech," who exerts a negative influence over their partner. This individual is described as having a "vicious hypnosis" and a "clenched fist," symbolizing their oppressive and domineering nature. The repeated phrase "It's wrong to want more than a folk song" suggests that the manipulator is trying to stifle the partner's desires and ambitions, keeping them confined to a limited and controlled existence.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive "Doo-doo-doo, We're on to you," serves as a rallying cry against the manipulator. It highlights the awareness and recognition of the toxic behavior, as well as a collective effort to expose and resist it. The imagery of "phony roots" and a "borrowed guitar" further emphasizes the inauthenticity and deceitfulness of the manipulative partner. Despite the partner's attempts to tear down and belittle, the song's narrative voice remains defiant, refusing to buy into the manipulator's tactics.

The recurring theme of the partner "falling for the creep" underscores the cyclical nature of abusive relationships, where the victim repeatedly gets drawn back into the toxic dynamic. The song's use of metaphors, such as "shaker knit" and "brick wall," conveys the emotional barriers and the facade that the manipulator maintains. Ultimately, "Wet Blanket" is a powerful commentary on the struggle to break free from a controlling relationship and the importance of recognizing and resisting manipulation.