Glycerin
Mr. Kitty
Eternal Preservation and Emotional Isolation in 'Glycerin'
Mr. Kitty's song 'Glycerin' delves into themes of preservation, both physical and emotional, and the isolation that can accompany such states. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person preserved in glycerin, a substance often used to maintain biological specimens. This metaphor extends to the emotional realm, suggesting a state of being frozen in time, unable to move forward or change. The imagery of light showing 'bone and cartilage' and the inability to see the heart again underscores a sense of loss and detachment, as if the essence of the person is no longer accessible.
The chorus, 'Stain their eyes, let them know / That you're alright, let it show,' speaks to a desire for validation and recognition. Despite being preserved and on display, there is a yearning to communicate that everything is fine, to show one's true colors and beauty. This can be interpreted as a commentary on how people often put on a facade to appear okay to the outside world, even when they are struggling internally. The act of 'staining their eyes' suggests leaving a lasting impression, making sure that one's presence and struggles are acknowledged.
In the latter part of the song, the perspective shifts to the narrator who awakens inside the glycerin, hearing the other person breathing oxygen. This shift highlights a shared experience of preservation and isolation. The narrator's admission of no longer having something inside them and being on display for eternity suggests a deep sense of emptiness and vulnerability. The final lines, 'In the darkness I will be alone / Feel the liquid overflow,' encapsulate the overwhelming sense of solitude and the inescapable nature of their emotional state. The song, with its haunting and melancholic tone, captures the essence of feeling trapped in one's own emotions and the struggle to be seen and understood.