Frequency
Starset
Lost in Transmission: The Emotional Disconnect in Starset's 'Frequency'
Starset's song 'Frequency' delves into the emotional turmoil and sense of disconnection that can arise in relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where communication has broken down, symbolized by the metaphor of lost radio frequencies. The protagonist feels a growing distance, both emotional and perhaps physical, as they struggle to maintain a connection with their partner. The repeated imagery of 'scanning through the skies' and 'static in your eyes' suggests a desperate search for clarity and understanding, only to be met with interference and silence.
The song's use of technical and scientific language, such as 'reception,' 'distorting,' and 'oscillate,' adds a layer of complexity to the emotional narrative. This choice of words reflects Starset's signature style, which often blends themes of technology and human experience. The protagonist's feelings of being 'left inside a half-life' and 'irradiated insides' evoke a sense of being trapped in a state of emotional decay, haunted by memories that refuse to fade. The line 'My heart was bulletproof till you took off the jacket' poignantly captures the vulnerability that comes with opening up to someone, only to be met with disappointment and pain.
As the song progresses, the sense of isolation intensifies. The protagonist feels like a 'castaway,' their cries for help 'blocked by the horizon.' This imagery underscores the hopelessness and suffocation they experience, as they realize that their efforts to save the relationship have been in vain. The final lines, 'You wanted war / I am the war / I alone,' suggest a realization that the conflict is not just external but also internal, as they grapple with their own emotions and the fallout of the broken connection. 'Frequency' is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the pain of disconnection, and the struggle to find meaning and clarity amidst the chaos.