Утонуть / Utonut'

Molchat Doma's song 'Утонуть / Utonut'' is a haunting exploration of emotional turmoil and existential despair. The Belarusian post-punk band is known for their melancholic soundscapes, and this track is no exception. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the weight of their emotions, symbolized by the recurring imagery of drowning and fire. The opening lines describe a portrait painted on a dirty, cold canvas, suggesting a sense of permanence and inescapability. The colors will never dry, and there's no way to erase them, much like the indelible marks left by past experiences and traumas.

The song delves deeper into the protagonist's psyche, revealing a sense of isolation and futility. The lines 'Иди покричи, постучи за соседней стеной / Там нет никого' (Go shout, knock on the next wall / There's no one there) emphasize the loneliness and the absence of anyone who can offer solace. The imagery of shattered windows and falling plaster further accentuates the crumbling state of the protagonist's world. The mention of 'the last day of November' and 'Judgment Day' adds a layer of finality and impending doom, suggesting that the protagonist is on the brink of a significant, possibly irreversible, change.

As the song progresses, the protagonist confronts their fears and bitterness, standing at the edge of an emotional abyss. The repeated plea 'Не прощай меня / Забудь, что было, это не вернуть / Отпусти меня / Дай же мне спокойно утонуть' (Don't forgive me / Forget what was, it can't be returned / Let me go / Let me drown peacefully) is a cry for release and acceptance of their fate. The act of drowning becomes a metaphor for surrendering to one's emotions and the inevitability of their consequences. Molchat Doma masterfully captures the essence of existential dread and the longing for peace in the face of overwhelming despair, making 'Утонуть / Utonut'' a poignant and thought-provoking piece.