Ariel

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a fractured existence, a state of being "somewhere in between" potential and reality. The narrator seems to be dissecting something, "pick[ing] the bones clean / Of angelicanteen meat," suggesting a critical examination of purity or idealism that has become corrupted or is being stripped away. This sets a tone of intense, almost visceral introspection. The central tension appears to revolve around a figure named Ariel, who is presented with a duality. They are described as "older than you look" with "cracked eyes, black as soot," hinting at a hidden weariness or darkness beneath a potentially youthful exterior. The repeated invocation of "Ariel (Ariel), Ariel (Ariel)" and the cryptic phrase "Isadore (Isadore) is a door" suggest this figure is a gateway or a pivotal point, capable of profound influence, perhaps even controlling vastness, as they can "close the sky and holes." The most striking craft element is the deliberate neologism and wordplay. Phrases like "Carnivaluate" and "short and tallerate" create a sense of distorted reality or a warped social hierarchy, where superficial judgment and endurance are key. The transformation of "Isadore" into "is a door" is a powerful pivot, turning a name into a function – a point of access or closure. This linguistic manipulation underscores the surreal and perhaps unsettling nature of Ariel's presence. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their evocative, fragmented imagery and the questions they pose about transformation and potential. The repeated motif of "rise" in the chorus, contrasted with the potential for closure and darkness, creates a compelling sense of anticipation and uncertainty. The narrator is captivated by Ariel's power, waiting to see if they will ascend or succumb, making the listener privy to this charged, unresolved moment.