Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a deceptive and manipulative force, initially encountered "in December," which "sucked us in" and "drugged us twice." This initial encounter sets a tone of disorientation and violation, as the narrator experiences a loss of sensory coherence, unable to "hear colour / Or speak taste." The repetition of "In December laid to waste" underscores the destructive impact of this period. The central tension arises from the contrast between the seemingly benign "December" and the insidious actions it facilitates. The phrase "scatter rumours / Gritter to ice" is a striking image, suggesting that falsehoods are spread with the intent to freeze or harden relationships and perceptions. This tactic is employed again in January, where a new entity is revealed to be a disguised version of the December deceiver, a "June in a mask" that continues the pattern of manipulation by "drugging summer / Into submission." The most potent craft element is the personification of months and the blurring of sensory input. December and January are not just time periods but active agents of deception. The inability to "hear colour / Or speak taste" is a powerful metaphor for profound confusion and the loss of genuine perception, a direct consequence of being "drugged." This sensory breakdown highlights the psychological impact of the manipulation. These lyrics resonate because they capture the disorienting feeling of being systematically misled by someone or something that initially appeared harmless. The specific, almost clinical descriptions of being "drugged" and the chilling image of "gritter to ice" make the abstract concept of manipulation feel visceral and deeply unsettling, leaving the listener with a sense of unease about hidden agendas.