Doris
Suicide Silence
The Agony of Rejection and Inner Turmoil in 'Doris' by Suicide Silence
Suicide Silence's song 'Doris' delves deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced after a painful rejection. The lyrics convey a sense of crushing despair and helplessness, as the protagonist grapples with the reality of being turned down. The opening lines, 'It crushes me to know she said no,' set the tone for the entire song, highlighting the intense emotional pain that follows rejection. The repeated pleas for help, 'Somebody help me please inside,' underscore the internal struggle and the feeling of being trapped in one's own mind.
The song employs vivid and visceral imagery to convey the protagonist's anguish. Phrases like 'Throw up, hang up' and 'Shoveling out I am this time' suggest a physical manifestation of emotional pain, as if the rejection is causing a violent, almost purging reaction. The recurring theme of blood and rot, 'Either way this blood will rot,' symbolizes the decay of hope and the inevitability of suffering. The protagonist's attempt to 'put this strain into my eyes' indicates a desperate effort to internalize and cope with the pain, even as it becomes overwhelming.
Fear is a central theme in 'Doris,' as evidenced by the repeated exclamations of 'Fear!' The protagonist is not only dealing with the immediate pain of rejection but also the fear of judgment and further emotional harm. The line 'They'll shoot me with this not right' suggests a fear of being attacked or criticized for their vulnerability. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and hopelessness, as the protagonist repeatedly declares, 'Never be,' indicating a loss of identity and purpose. Suicide Silence's raw and intense musical style amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a powerful and cathartic experience for the listener.