Bruises

Transviolet's song 'Bruises' is a powerful anthem that addresses the harrowing issue of domestic abuse. The lyrics are a direct confrontation to an abuser, with the repeated warning, 'Young man, you better keep your hands off her,' serving as both a plea and a threat. This line underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need to protect the victim from further harm.

The song's narrative is told from the perspective of someone who is deeply protective of the victim, possibly a family member or close friend. The lines 'I'm screaming on the front lawn / Don't you mess with my blood' highlight the emotional turmoil and desperation felt by the narrator. The repeated assertion, 'I know what you've done,' indicates a clear awareness of the abuse, and the phrase 'the bruises don't lie' serves as a stark reminder that physical evidence of abuse cannot be hidden or ignored, no matter how much the abuser or the victim might try to cover it up.

The song also touches on the broader societal and emotional implications of abuse. The line 'Swimming in makeup, clean out of breath' suggests the victim's attempts to mask the physical signs of abuse, while 'Smiles you fake but the bruises don't lie' points to the emotional toll and the facade that victims often feel compelled to maintain. The mention of 'mama's gotta a gun' and 'our God's a mysterious one' introduces a sense of divine justice and retribution, implying that there will be consequences for the abuser's actions, whether in this life or beyond.

'Bruises' by Transviolet is a raw and unflinching look at the reality of domestic abuse, calling for awareness, protection, and justice. It serves as a reminder that the scars of abuse are not just physical but emotional and psychological, and that they demand attention and action from all of us.