Always
Saliva
The Turbulent Dance of Love and Hate in Saliva's 'Always'
Saliva's song 'Always' delves deep into the tumultuous emotions that often accompany intense relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both all-consuming and destructive. The narrator grapples with conflicting feelings of love and hate, unable to disentangle themselves from the person they are addressing. This duality is evident in lines like 'I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you,' which encapsulate the push and pull of a relationship that is both a source of life and a cause of immense pain.
The repetition of the word 'always' throughout the song underscores the perpetual nature of these feelings. It suggests a cycle that the narrator feels trapped in, unable to break free from the emotional highs and lows. The imagery of blood on hands and a shaking pistol adds a darker, more violent layer to the narrative, hinting at betrayal and the potential for self-destruction. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional wounds inflicted by the relationship, as well as the internal struggle to maintain one's sanity and sense of self.
The song also touches on themes of solitude and the difficulty of moving on. The narrator expresses a sense of isolation, feeling unwanted and ultimately deciding to leave. However, even as they walk out the door, the refrain 'I can't live without you' lingers, suggesting that the emotional ties are not easily severed. This highlights the complexity of human emotions and the often-painful process of letting go. Saliva's raw and powerful delivery of these lyrics amplifies the intensity of the emotions, making 'Always' a poignant exploration of love, hate, and the fine line that often separates the two.