Yellow Belly

Thrice's song 'Yellow Belly' delves into the harrowing theme of abuse and the emotional and physical scars it leaves on its victims. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who was 'built for blessing' but instead inflicts pain and suffering. The repeated phrase 'you don't care' underscores the abuser's complete lack of empathy and remorse. The imagery of bruises as 'shadows of the blackness that you breed' suggests that the damage caused by the abuser is both deep and pervasive, affecting not just the body but the soul of the victim.

The song's chorus, 'You're less than half a man, yellow belly and crimson hands,' is a powerful condemnation of the abuser. 'Yellow belly' is a term for cowardice, while 'crimson hands' symbolize the blood and guilt on the abuser's hands. This juxtaposition highlights the abuser's moral and emotional weakness, despite their physical power. The line 'maybe then you'll understand' suggests a hope for reckoning and justice, where the abuser might finally grasp the gravity of their actions.

The lyrics also touch on the psychological torment of the victims. The line 'she's in the closet, praying: Lord, please get me out of here' is a heart-wrenching depiction of a victim's desperate plea for escape and divine intervention. The song questions the concept of mercy, asking 'what mercy have they known from you?' This rhetorical question emphasizes the abuser's complete lack of compassion and the dire need for the victims to find solace and justice. Thrice uses their post-hardcore musical style to amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a powerful and haunting narrative that resonates deeply with listeners.