...Then I Defy You, Stars

The song "...Then I Defy You, Stars" by The Receiving End Of Sirens is a haunting exploration of identity, illusion, and the struggle against predetermined fate. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a surreal ballroom where apparitions and mannequins, described as 'perfect models of imperfection,' dance to the sound of their heels tapping. This imagery suggests a world where appearances are deceptive, and the characters are mere facades, with 'marrow made of cellophane,' indicating fragility and artificiality.

The references to Romeo and Juliet, two of literature's most famous star-crossed lovers, add a layer of tragic romance to the song. The plea for Juliet to 'deny your name, your father' and the call for Romeo to 'blur your eyes' and 'bend the lines' reflect a desire to escape the constraints of their identities and the roles imposed upon them by society. This theme is further emphasized by the lines 'rearrange the cells that form my skin' and 'self-inflicted surgery is now routine,' which suggest a desperate attempt to change oneself to fit an ideal or to escape one's past.

The song's chorus, with its repeated questioning of Romeo's whereabouts and the declaration of dressing up 'this canvas skin' and painting 'something colorful just for you,' underscores the theme of transformation and the lengths to which one might go to be seen and accepted. The final lines, 'stretch me over this two-by-four skeleton,' evoke a sense of vulnerability and the painful process of trying to fit into a mold that may not be one's true self. Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on the struggle for identity and the illusions we create to navigate the expectations of the world around us.