Athena

In the song "Athena" by Plush, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both powerful and suffocating. The song's protagonist, who identifies herself as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, embodies a love that is inescapable and overwhelming. The repeated lines "You won't escape me" and "You will suffocate" suggest a relationship where the intensity of love borders on obsession, leaving the other person feeling trapped and breathless. This metaphorical suffocation is a powerful image, conveying the idea that love, while beautiful, can also be consuming and overpowering.

The chorus, with its declaration of being a "Goddess of love" and the repeated assertion "I'm your Athena," elevates the protagonist to a divine status, suggesting that her love is not just intense but also all-encompassing and inescapable. The reference to Athena, a goddess known for her strategic prowess in war, adds a layer of complexity to the song. It implies that love, in this context, is a battlefield where the protagonist will not hesitate to dominate and conquer. The lines "When this love becomes war, I will defeat you" further emphasize this notion, portraying love as a struggle for power and control.

The song also explores themes of fear and dominance, with the repeated reassurance "Just don't be afraid, my love will dominate." This line suggests a paradoxical comfort in submission, where the other person is encouraged to embrace the overwhelming nature of the protagonist's love. The questions "Do you really want me?" and the warning "Don't get too close to me" add a layer of vulnerability and caution, hinting at the potential dangers of getting too involved in such an intense relationship. Overall, "Athena" by Plush is a powerful exploration of love's dual nature—its ability to uplift and suffocate, to dominate and protect, all encapsulated in the mythological imagery of a goddess.