Mr. Malum

The Dear Hunter's song 'Mr. Malum' delves into the sinister allure of a powerful figure who manipulates and controls those around him. The name 'Malum' itself is a Latin word meaning 'evil' or 'apple,' hinting at the character's malevolent nature and perhaps alluding to the biblical story of the forbidden fruit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Mr. Malum as a charismatic yet dangerous leader, whose speeches are laced with a 'whispering precision' that cuts through hesitation and keeps dissent at bay. This suggests a figure who is both persuasive and intimidating, able to maintain control through a combination of charm and fear.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Mr. Malum's grip on power is suffocating. The imagery of him 'crushing the air out of its lungs' and the 'puppets to the left, and his pawns to line the right' evoke a sense of total domination and manipulation. The people are depicted as being intoxicated by his influence, consuming the 'sap that trickles down his branches,' which symbolizes the deceptive allure of his power. This metaphor suggests that the followers are willingly complicit, drawn in by the superficial benefits of aligning with such a figure, even as it leads to their own detriment.

The climax of the song reveals the ultimate consequence of Mr. Malum's reign. The final lines describe a scene where the last thing people see is Mr. Malum tightening his tie, a symbol of his unyielding control and the formal, almost ritualistic nature of his dominance. The repeated refrain 'When the truth arrives, you won't believe your eyes' underscores the theme of deception and the tragic realization that comes too late. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of charismatic leaders who exploit their power, and the passive complicity of those who allow themselves to be led astray.