Bleed, Memory

Thief's song 'Bleed, Memory' delves into the haunting and melancholic themes of love, loss, and the lingering presence of memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a sadness that grows within, likened to a bloom inside a tomb, suggesting a beauty intertwined with death. This metaphor sets the tone for the entire song, where the protagonist is haunted by memories of a past love, represented as a ghost that speaks of the lost lover. The madness mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize the overwhelming emotions and the mental turmoil that comes with reminiscing about a painful past.

The recurring line 'I tell stories, such lovely stories, and you’d love them too' indicates a longing to share these memories, despite their painful nature. It suggests that the protagonist finds some solace in recounting these tales, even if they are tinged with sorrow. The imagery of shooting out the sky from a falling dove further emphasizes the theme of destruction and loss, as doves are often symbols of peace and love. This act of shooting a falling dove could represent the protagonist's struggle to let go of the past and the self-destructive tendencies that come with it.

The song also explores the idea of decay and abandonment, with references to abandoned castles and death. These images evoke a sense of desolation and the passage of time, highlighting how memories can linger and decay, much like old, forgotten places. The ghost inside the protagonist's head and the photos of the past lover that 'look dead' underscore the haunting nature of these memories. The song captures the essence of being trapped in a cycle of remembering and mourning, unable to fully move on from the past.