Like That

Sleep Token's song "Like That" delves into the complex and often painful dynamics of manipulation and emotional vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where one party feels trapped and dissected by the other's words and actions. The opening lines, "Trapped under the surface of your words / There is a new intention," suggest a shift in the relationship, where previously hidden motives and whispers are now coming to light. This revelation is unsettling, as it feels like a calculated move to provoke and control, symbolized by the phrase "talking with braces on your tongue."

The recurring question, "Do you like that?" serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the manipulative nature of the relationship. It's as if the manipulator is taunting their victim, deriving pleasure from their discomfort and pain. The imagery of being pushed down into "membranes and layers" and stumbling into a "tar trap" further illustrates the suffocating and inescapable nature of this emotional entanglement. The victim feels like just another addition to the manipulator's collection, a trophy of their control.

The song reaches a poignant climax with the lines, "Fall into your eyes like a grave / Bury me to the sound of your name." This metaphor of falling into someone's eyes like a grave signifies a deep, consuming despair. The victim is buried under the weight of the manipulator's emotions—anger, disgust, resentment, and pain. The repetition of the question, "Do you like that?" underscores the tragic irony of the situation, highlighting the manipulator's cruel satisfaction in the victim's suffering. Sleep Token masterfully captures the dark dance of manipulation and vulnerability, leaving listeners with a haunting reflection on the complexities of human relationships.