Cradles

Sub Urban's 'Cradles' is a haunting exploration of escapism and the darker corners of the human psyche. The song delves into the theme of retreating into a self-created world as a coping mechanism for the harshness of reality. The artist, Sub Urban, is known for his dark pop sound, blending elements of electronic music with moody, introspective lyrics. 'Cradles' is a prime example of his style, where he uses vivid imagery to convey complex emotions.

The lyrics paint a picture of a person who lives in a 'world of make-believe,' a mental refuge from the pain and chaos of the outside world. The mention of 'kids screaming in their cradles profanities' suggests a loss of innocence and the presence of corruption from a young age. Sub Urban uses the metaphor of eyes 'covered in ink and bleach' to describe a distorted perception of reality, possibly tainted by negative experiences. The chorus, with its paradoxical lines about loving everything while a fire spreads and it's hard to breathe, captures the intensity of embracing one's own constructed reality, even as it becomes suffocating.

The song also touches on themes of self-destruction and hedonism, as seen in lines like 'Why can't you just let me eat my weight in glee?' and 'I wanna taste consumption / Breathe faster to waste oxygen.' These lines suggest a desire to indulge in pleasures to the point of excess, perhaps as a way to numb or distract from underlying pain. The imagery of children singing until 'the wick burns out' evokes a sense of fatalism and the fleeting nature of life. Overall, 'Cradles' is a powerful commentary on the human condition, using a blend of dark fantasy and stark realism to explore the depths of escapism and the consequences of turning inward to avoid the harsh truths of the world.