Criminal

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of chaotic, self-destructive relationships where the narrator and his partner embrace their wild sides. The opening image of a man struggling with a "big wild dog on a leash" immediately establishes a sense of barely contained chaos, a feeling the narrator identifies with: "and I'm both." This sets the stage for a dynamic where apologies are offered for harmful actions, particularly towards a significant other, highlighting a recurring pattern of destructive behavior that leaves the narrator feeling lost: "Sometimes I don't know what to do." The central tension lies in the narrator's dual identity and his relationship with a woman who mirrors his own destructive tendencies. He calls himself a "criminal," a "loose cannon, burning bridges," actively seeking a "miracle" amidst the wreckage. His partner is also labeled a "criminal" and a "predator," her appearance likened to someone emerging "from a funeral," suggesting a shared darkness or a history of loss that fuels their destructive actions. This shared recklessness creates a volatile but compelling connection. The writing excels in its use of vivid, destructive imagery to convey emotional states. The partner is described as a "little book of matches," and their relationship is a game of "who can burn fastest." The "whiskey in her eyes" and the uncertainty of whether they are "predators or if we're prey" underscore the unpredictable and dangerous nature of their interactions. This metaphorical language transforms abstract feelings of chaos and self-harm into tangible, fiery images that resonate with the song's title. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw portrayal of destructive passion and the narrator's acceptance of his own "criminal" nature. The repeated self-identification as a "loose cannon" and the parallel drawn with his partner create a sense of shared, albeit dangerous, identity. The lyrics don't shy away from the messiness, instead leaning into it, making the listener feel the intensity of a relationship that thrives on burning bright and fast, even if it means burning everything down.