Increase

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of emotional desolation and a perceived contagion of negativity. The narrator observes a "vapour, as thin as it gets," suggesting a fragile, almost imperceptible atmosphere of decay. This isn't just a passing mood; it's a "severe sickness in this room," explicitly stated as originating from another person, not the speaker. This immediately establishes a dynamic of external corruption impacting the speaker's internal state, leading to a profound sense of unease. The central tension lies in the narrator's resignation and the chilling embrace of a negative state. The declaration "There won't be a time when I'm at ease" is a powerful statement of permanent discomfort. This is amplified by the repeated, almost ritualistic, command to "Increase coldness, increase ignorance." It suggests a conscious, albeit desperate, choice to shut down or numb oneself in response to the pervasive sickness, rather than confront it or seek a cure. The most striking lyrical device is the stark contrast between the external "sickness" and the internal plea for more "coldness" and "ignorance." The narrator seems to be advocating for a self-imposed emotional shutdown as a survival mechanism. The image of looking at oneself "as on film" and seeing "a mask of shame" and an "unworthy" position implies a deep self-judgment, perhaps a consequence of being exposed to this sickness. The vision of a "sick dead earth" further underscores the pervasive sense of finality and decay. This lyrical approach is effective because it externalizes internal suffering and then internalizes external decay. The narrator isn't just sad; they are actively being poisoned and then choosing to amplify their own defenses through emotional hardening. The bluntness of phrases like "Soul cold, indeed" and the almost programmatic "Increase coldness, increase ignorance" create a sense of bleak inevitability, making the emotional weight of the lyrics feel heavy and suffocating.