Narcissus

Threshold's song "Narcissus" delves deep into the destructive nature of vanity and self-obsession. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person caught in the blinding glare of their own ego, mesmerized by their shallow personality. The metaphor of "gorging the junk food of flattery" suggests that this individual feeds off superficial praise, dragging their inflated ego around and battering those around them with their self-centered behavior. This imagery highlights the emptiness and hollowness of living a life solely based on external validation.

The song also explores the personal hell that comes with such vanity. The individual is trapped in a cycle of addiction, frightened that others might see through their facade. Their happiness is chemically induced, and their profound words are nothing more than empty indulgence. The repeated refrain, "oh narcissus you petulant child admiring yourself in the curve of my eyes," underscores the tragic irony of their situation. Despite their self-admiration, they are unsated and slowly dying inside, unable to find true fulfillment.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a darker turn, comparing the narcissist to a scavenging dog, bolting the flesh of their victims with ravenous greed. This metaphor emphasizes the predatory nature of their behavior, as they work with others only until their ego or wallet is satisfied. The song's narrator expresses revulsion and betrayal, recognizing the narcissist's cowardly disguise and treacherous actions. The final lines, "consider yourself a whipped cur," serve as a powerful condemnation of the narcissist's actions, leaving them exposed and defeated.

"Narcissus" by Threshold is a poignant and powerful exploration of the dangers of vanity and self-obsession. Through vivid metaphors and stark imagery, the song captures the emptiness and self-destruction that come with living a life centered on superficiality and external validation.