Why Don't You Eat Me Now You Can
Soko
The Haunting Plea of Soko's 'Why Don't You Eat Me Now You Can'
Soko's song 'Why Don't You Eat Me Now You Can' is a raw and haunting exploration of emotional pain and alienation. The lyrics convey a deep sense of not belonging and the intense discomfort that comes from feeling out of place. The repeated question, 'Why don't you eat me? Now you can,' serves as a metaphor for the emotional consumption and destruction that the speaker feels subjected to. This metaphorical 'eating' represents the way others' judgments and actions can devour one's sense of self-worth and identity.
The song delves into the duality of physical and mental pain. The lines 'Then either way you'll hurt me / Physically and mentally' highlight the inescapable nature of suffering, whether it comes from external actions or internal emotional turmoil. Soko's use of visceral imagery, such as 'fresh meat' and 'bite me,' intensifies the sense of vulnerability and the predatory nature of the relationships described in the song. This imagery paints a picture of a person who feels hunted and consumed by the expectations and judgments of others.
Furthermore, the song touches on themes of memory and legacy with the lines 'Take a picture of me / In your head / When I'm dead / Coz you won't forget about me.' This suggests a desire for lasting impact and recognition, even if it comes through pain and suffering. The idea of screaming in someone's dreams indicates a haunting presence that lingers, reflecting the lasting effects of emotional trauma. Soko's poignant lyrics and haunting delivery create a powerful narrative about the struggle for self-acceptance and the impact of others' perceptions on one's mental health.