Wasp Nest

The National's song 'Wasp Nest' is a haunting exploration of a complex and tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is both alluring and dangerous, embodying a mix of beauty and venom. The repeated metaphor of a 'wasp nest' suggests a sense of danger and unpredictability, as wasps are known for their painful stings and aggressive nature. This metaphor is further emphasized by the imagery of 'broken bottles' and 'poison in the pretty glass,' indicating that beneath the surface beauty lies a potential for harm and destruction.

The song's opening lines set the stage with a nostalgic yet unsettling image: 'You're cussing a stone in a cocktail dress your mother wore when she was young.' This juxtaposition of innocence and aggression hints at a deeper, perhaps inherited, complexity within the person being described. The 'red sun saint around your neck' and 'wet martini in a paper cup' add layers of symbolism, blending religious imagery with a sense of casual, almost careless, indulgence. These elements together create a portrait of someone who is both captivating and dangerous, drawing others in with their charm while hiding a sting beneath the surface.

The chorus, with its repeated declaration 'You're a wasp nest,' serves as a stark reminder of the duality present in this relationship. The person is described as 'humming live wires under your killing clothes,' suggesting a constant, underlying tension and potential for harm. Despite this, there is a sense of attraction and desire, as evidenced by the line 'Get over here; I wanna kiss your skinny throat.' This push-and-pull dynamic captures the essence of a relationship that is both magnetic and perilous, highlighting the intoxicating allure of someone who is as dangerous as they are beautiful.