Flea

St. Vincent's song 'Flea' delves into the themes of obsession and possession, using the metaphor of a flea to illustrate an unshakeable attachment. The lyrics describe the narrator as a 'hungry little flea,' emphasizing a parasitic and invasive nature. This metaphor is powerful, as fleas are known for their persistence and difficulty to eradicate, symbolizing an inescapable bond or fixation. The repetition of 'Once I'm in, you can't get rid of me' underscores the relentless grip the narrator has on their subject, suggesting a relationship that is both consuming and inescapable.

The imagery in the song is rich and vivid, with lines like 'Drip you in diamonds, pour you in cream' painting a picture of opulence and indulgence. This juxtaposition of luxury with the parasitic nature of a flea creates a complex dynamic, where the narrator's affection is both suffocating and lavish. The promise of eternal possession, 'You will be mine for eternity,' further highlights the obsessive nature of the narrator's love, blurring the lines between devotion and domination.

The song also touches on the mundane aspects of life, such as walking down a sunny street or thinking about bills, only to be interrupted by the 'little prick' of the flea. This intrusion into everyday life symbolizes how obsession can permeate every aspect of existence, making it impossible to escape. The final lines, 'You will be mine, my everything,' encapsulate the totality of the narrator's fixation, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and fascination. St. Vincent masterfully combines dark themes with captivating melodies, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of obsessive love.