Endtapes

The Joy Formidable's song 'Endtapes' delves into the complexities of relationships and the emotional turmoil that accompanies their unraveling. The repeated phrase 'Sellotape an end to' serves as a metaphor for attempting to mend or conclude something that is fraying or falling apart. Sellotape, a common household item, symbolizes a temporary and fragile solution to a deeper, more persistent problem. This imagery suggests a desperate attempt to hold things together, even when they seem irreparably broken.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional entanglement and the struggle to maintain connections. Phrases like 'The knots keep you at my side' and 'Up and out my beacon will choke if yours is taken' highlight the dependency and fear of loss that often characterize intimate relationships. The mention of 'mosquito bite down' and 'fickle hands machine' evokes a sense of irritation and unpredictability, further emphasizing the instability and discomfort within the relationship.

The song also touches on themes of regret and the futility of apologies, as seen in the lines 'Sorry on repeat just fails' and 'A story that is hanging over silence always wasted.' These lines suggest a sense of resignation and the realization that some wounds cannot be healed with mere words. The recurring imagery of 'thieves, years, leaves, knots, bleeds, burst, keeps apart' encapsulates the passage of time and the various forces that pull people apart, leaving them to grapple with the remnants of what once was.

'Endtapes' is a poignant exploration of the fragility of human connections and the often futile attempts to repair them. The Joy Formidable's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies create a powerful emotional landscape that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of a relationship's end.