Bees

The Ballroom Thieves' song 'Bees' is a poetic exploration of love, identity, and the struggle to reconcile one's past with the present. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, creating a tapestry of emotions and reflections. The song opens with the protagonist being drawn into a symphony, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of life and the passage of time. The more he tries to distance himself from his past, the more it seems to consume him, echoing in the chambers of his chest. This suggests a deep internal conflict where history and personal experiences are inescapable and ever-present.

The protagonist's partner fears that he might become a servant to his history or, worse, a slave to others' doubts. This fear drives him to fight against these external and internal forces, leading to a sense of blindness and entrapment, metaphorically represented by hiding in the lion's mouth. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and the struggle to find clarity and purpose amidst the chaos. The words that his partner longs to hear are described as pouring through his canyon, indicating a deep emotional connection, yet they remain elusive and haunting, like vultures.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the passage of time, likening it to bees buzzing on the ceiling. This imagery captures the relentless and often overwhelming nature of time. He grapples with the idea of doing something meaningful, either writing something worth reading or living a life worth writing about. Despite these aspirations, he finds himself pouring more of himself into his struggles than he feels allowed. The song concludes with a poignant realization that while the place he finds himself in may not be where he was born, it could still be where he belongs. This acceptance of the present, despite its challenges, underscores the song's themes of love, identity, and the search for belonging.