Palo Santo

Years & Years' song 'Palo Santo' delves into the complex emotions of forbidden love and the intoxicating allure of danger. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship where the protagonist is deeply entangled with someone who brings both darkness and passion into their life. The repeated reference to 'Palo Santo,' a type of wood traditionally used for spiritual cleansing, adds a layer of irony and depth, suggesting that the relationship, while dark and consuming, also holds a purifying or transformative power.

The song opens with the protagonist acknowledging their lover's infidelity and their own sense of isolation. Despite this, they are drawn to the 'darkness' within their lover, symbolized by the Palo Santo. The imagery of 'carving the sky' and 'having visions' suggests a sense of destiny or fate, as if the protagonist is meant to endure this emotional turmoil. The use of supernatural elements like 'spirits' and 'ghosts' further emphasizes the otherworldly and almost mystical nature of their connection.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's surrender to this dangerous love becomes more apparent. The lines 'Strike a match and whisper my name' and 'Speak in tongues, bend me 'til I break' evoke a sense of ritualistic surrender, as if the protagonist is willingly giving themselves over to the chaos and intensity of the relationship. The repeated refrain of 'You're the darkness in me, Palo Santo' underscores the duality of their feelings—both the pain and the irresistible pull of their lover's dark allure.

The song's climax reveals a craving for 'danger' and 'sweet intoxication,' highlighting the addictive nature of this forbidden love. The protagonist is fully aware of the destructive potential of their relationship but is unable to resist its magnetic pull. This complex interplay of desire, pain, and transformation makes 'Palo Santo' a haunting exploration of the darker sides of love and human connection.