FAULTLINE

Starset's 'FAULTLINE' delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, using the metaphor of seismic activity to illustrate the emotional upheaval experienced by the individuals involved. The song opens with the notion of playing the victim, suggesting a cycle of blame and repeated emotional aftershocks that both parties endure. The lyrics 'First you gotta know / How to play the victim' and 'Like an aftershock' set the stage for a narrative where emotional wounds are continually reopened, making it difficult to find resolution.

The chorus emphasizes the instability and unpredictability of the relationship, with lines like 'Got me shaking at the sight, oh / Got me quaking in my mind oh.' This imagery of shaking and quaking mirrors the physical sensations of an earthquake, symbolizing the internal turmoil and anxiety that come with constant conflict. The repeated phrase 'You’re tripping over every fault of mine / You’re breaking open every single time' highlights the recurring nature of these emotional fractures, suggesting that both parties are caught in a cycle of blame and hurt.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the relationship is marked by a lack of clear boundaries and mutual understanding. The line 'It's never black and white, no / Going seismic out of spite, oh' underscores the ambiguity and complexity of their issues, making it difficult to discern who is at fault. The repeated use of the word 'Faultline' serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragile and unstable foundation of their relationship, which is prone to breaking under pressure. Ultimately, 'FAULTLINE' captures the essence of a relationship fraught with emotional volatility, where both parties struggle to navigate the faultlines that threaten to tear them apart.