Drawing Flies

Soundgarden's 'Drawing Flies' delves into themes of self-loathing, negativity, and existential despair. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels like an uninvited guest in their own life, wallowing in their own obscenities and sharing a cigarette with negativity. The imagery of 'wet ashes' and 'x's in my eyes' suggests a state of emotional and mental exhaustion, as if the person is lifeless and merely existing rather than truly living.

The song also explores the idea of using one's own pain and suffering as a weapon. The lines 'Bathed in perspiration drowned my enemies' and 'Used my inspiration for a guillotine' imply that the protagonist's inner turmoil is so intense that it can be turned outward to harm others. This is further emphasized by the metaphor of a 'loaded mental cannon' being fired onto the page, suggesting that the act of creation is both a release and a form of self-destruction.

The recurring theme of 'self-denial' and 'holy pride' points to a struggle with one's own identity and self-worth. The protagonist leans on a pedestal of self-denial, firing a pistol that shoots their pride, indicating a cycle of self-sabotage and internal conflict. The repeated question 'Hey, what you yelling about?' serves as a critique of the protagonist's own complaints and grievances, highlighting the futility and self-inflicted nature of their suffering. Ultimately, 'Drawing Flies' is a raw and unflinching look at the darker aspects of the human psyche, capturing the essence of existential angst and the struggle for self-acceptance.