Don't Bother Calling

Moses Sumney's 'Don't Bother Calling' delves into the complexities of identity, connection, and the struggle for personal freedom. The repeated refrain, 'Don’t bother calling, I’ll call you,' sets the tone for a narrative of detachment and self-preservation. Sumney's lyrics suggest a desire to maintain control over his interactions and relationships, emphasizing a need for space and autonomy. This refrain can be seen as a metaphor for setting boundaries, a way to protect oneself from the demands and expectations of others.

The song's exploration of identity is profound, with Sumney declaring, 'I’m not a body, the body is but a shell.' This line reflects a sense of disembodiment, where the physical form is seen as separate from the true self. The imagery of 'every cell in the corpus resembles stars' evokes a cosmic connection, suggesting that our essence is vast and interconnected with the universe. This perspective challenges conventional notions of self, proposing that our identity is fluid and expansive, much like the stars in the sky.

Sumney's reference to being 'the son of the sea' and 'made of liquid' further emphasizes the theme of fluidity and transformation. Water, often symbolizing emotions and the subconscious, represents his ever-changing nature and the difficulty of being pinned down or defined. The line 'I can’t go away with you with half a heart' speaks to the necessity of being whole and true to oneself before fully engaging in a relationship. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, encapsulated in the simple yet poignant phrase, 'Well, I tried.' This ending underscores the ongoing struggle to balance personal freedom with the desire for connection.