Higher

Sleep Token's 'Higher' delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, where love and conflict are intertwined in a perpetual cycle. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who are fundamentally different yet irresistibly drawn to each other. The line 'I am a fire and you are dry as bone' suggests a dynamic where one person is intense and passionate, while the other is more reserved and perhaps emotionally distant. This contrast sets the stage for the ongoing struggle between them.

The song explores themes of emotional exhaustion and the inability to break free from destructive patterns. The repeated phrase 'You won't begin again' underscores a sense of hopelessness and resignation. Despite their differences, both parties are 'exhausted by all this pretending' and 'can't resist the violence,' indicating that their relationship is marked by constant conflict and emotional turmoil. The metaphor of looking for 'scarlet' versus 'ultraviolet' symbolizes their differing needs and perspectives, further highlighting the disconnect between them.

Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a sense of elevation. The line 'each time we battle, the blood and the fury takes us a little higher' suggests that their conflicts, while painful, also bring a certain intensity and depth to their connection. This paradoxical relationship, where love and pain coexist, is a central theme in 'Higher.' The song captures the essence of a love that is both destructive and elevating, a dance of passion and pain that neither can fully escape.