Fear & Delight

The Correspondents' song 'Fear & Delight' delves into the complex emotions of attraction and the allure of danger. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is irresistibly drawn to someone who is clearly bad for them. This person is described with 'fluttering lashes, red lips, and pearly white teeth,' evoking a sense of superficial beauty that masks a more sinister nature. The protagonist's friends are in disbelief, recognizing the peril that lies beneath the surface, yet the protagonist is unable to resist the pull.

The song explores the duality of thrill and fear, encapsulated in the line 'I cannot decipher between the thrill and the fear.' This dichotomy is a central theme, as the protagonist acknowledges the wrongness of their desire but is simultaneously captivated by it. The metaphor of 'trot to the wolf as a doting sheep' highlights the protagonist's awareness of their vulnerability and the danger they willingly embrace. The repeated refrain 'It's wrong but I want you tonight' underscores the internal conflict between rationality and desire.

The lyrics also touch on the inevitability of this destructive attraction. The protagonist likens themselves to a moth drawn to light or a beast to bait, suggesting an almost predestined pull towards danger. The reference to the black widow spider, known for consuming its mate, further emphasizes the fatalistic nature of this attraction. Despite recognizing the peril, the protagonist is 'keen to be devoured,' indicating a deep-seated compulsion towards self-destructive relationships. This theme is reinforced by the acknowledgment that even after escaping one toxic relationship, the protagonist is always on the lookout for the next 'vixen' to drive them 'round the bend.'

'Fear & Delight' is a compelling exploration of the allure of danger and the human tendency to be drawn to what we know is harmful. It captures the essence of forbidden attraction and the thrill that comes with it, even when it leads to inevitable pain.