Black Wax

Song Meaning

The narrator offers their entire being, their "one body," to another person, framing this surrender as a profound act of devotion. The image of "light strikes pride apart" suggests a shattering of ego or defenses, allowing for vulnerability and a recognition of the other's "pure, pure of heart" nature. The repeated command to "Put our record on" anchors this intimacy in a shared, sensory experience, with "black wax" serving as a tangible symbol of their connection. The lyrics then shift to a more abstract, almost visceral depiction of emotional or spiritual transference. The phrase "Bleeding from song to song" implies a deep, perhaps painful, immersion in shared experiences or emotions, while the image of "Growing like sunflowers in the dark" captures a paradoxical resilience and aspiration for light even in difficult circumstances. This growth is cyclical, "back and forth," suggesting a dynamic, ongoing process of change and adaptation. The most striking craft element is the personification of internal states as externalized "spirits." These spirits "flew out of eyes" and "out of mouth," indicating a complete, uninhibited outpouring of self. This raw expression is then thrust "Into mad, morning," a phrase that evokes a sense of disorienting, perhaps overwhelming, clarity or awakening that follows intense emotional release. The contrast between the intimate, contained act of playing a record and the wild, expansive flight of spirits creates a powerful tension. This writing is effective because it moves from a concrete, relatable act of intimacy to a more abstract, almost mystical depiction of emotional and spiritual vulnerability. The specific, evocative imagery—sunflowers in the dark, spirits flying—grounds the abstract feelings in tangible, if surreal, pictures. The repetition of "Put our record on" and "Growing back and forth" creates a hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of the emotions described, drawing the listener into this intense, unfolding experience.