Carnivore
Starset
The Inner Struggle of Identity in 'Carnivore' by Starset
Starset's song 'Carnivore' delves deep into the internal conflict of identity and self-worth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been constantly told their limitations and has internalized these negative perceptions. The 'beast' inside represents the suppressed emotions and potential that are waiting to break free from the constraints imposed by society and self-doubt. This beast is a metaphor for the raw, untamed part of oneself that yearns for liberation and self-expression.
The recurring plea to the 'Carnivore' to 'digest' and 'change' the narrator signifies a desperate desire for transformation. The carnivore, a symbol of a powerful, consuming force, is called upon to strip away the current identity, which is seen as inadequate and unworthy. This reflects a deep-seated need to escape from the current self and be reborn as someone new, someone who can meet the expectations and standards set by others and by oneself.
The song also touches on themes of conformity and the struggle to meet external expectations. The lines 'I’ll be what you wanted' and 'Kept inside I won’t let go' highlight the pressure to conform and suppress one's true self. The repeated assertion that 'who I am is not good enough' underscores the pervasive sense of inadequacy and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Through its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery, 'Carnivore' captures the essence of the internal battle many face in their quest for self-acceptance and transformation.