Song Meaning
Sharon Van Etten's "Serpents" doesn't whisper; it exhales a cold truth about toxic relationships and the battle for self-preservation. The song meaning coils around themes of manipulation and the slow burn of disillusionment. Van Etten doesn't paint a picture of outright villainy, but rather a portrait of someone who "enjoys sucking on dreams," a subtle but devastating form of emotional vampirism. The opening lines hint at a past trauma, a "black eye" that lingers in the subconscious. This sets the stage for the central conflict: the struggle to break free from a controlling influence.
The repeated phrase "Serpents in my mind" isn't about literal snakes, but rather the insidious doubts and anxieties that creep in when trust is eroded. It's a psychological warfare waged within the self, fueled by the other person's actions. The lyrics reveal a desperate search for accountability ("Looking for your crimes"), a need to validate the singer's feelings and experiences. Yet, there's also a flicker of hope, a desire for change, even if it's tinged with skepticism. The line "I don't want mine to this time" suggests a weariness of always being the one to adapt or compromise.
What makes "Serpents" so compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. It's a raw, honest exploration of the complexities of human connection, where love and control can become dangerously intertwined. The imagery of "collaging girls" and holding a mirror to everyone else suggests a pattern of behavior, a manipulator who deflects and projects. Van Etten's genius lies in her ability to capture these nuances, to give voice to the unspoken fears and resentments that simmer beneath the surface of seemingly normal relationships. The song is a testament to the strength it takes to confront these "serpents" and reclaim one's own narrative.
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