Estranged
Acretongue Lyrics


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Inherent, ancient traces
Insight reveals two faces
A pair used in conjunction
A form that follows function

A swift, purging decision
Has shattered this cohesion
Neglect reveals the unseen
Mistrust is all you taught me

Inherent, ancient traces
Delight has scarred these faces
A tear precedes destruction
The form revise its function

A swift, precise incision
Has severed this cohesion
Neglect promotes the unclean
Disgust is all you left me

You won't ever know me
You look, but you just don't see





You just don't see

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Acretongue's song "Estranged" describe the destructive effects that neglect, mistrust, and disgust can have on human relationships. The first stanza refers to the duality of human nature, with its inherent strengths and weaknesses. The suggestion is that we are all, to some extent, made up of conflicting tendencies that can be used either constructively or destructively, depending on the circumstances. The use of the terms "inherent, ancient traces" implies that these tendencies are deeply rooted in our biology and evolutionary history.


The second stanza illustrates how neglect and mistrust can slowly erode the bonds of trust and understanding that should exist between two people. The use of the word "cohesion" suggests a tight bond or connection, but this is shattered by a "swift, purging decision," which is not explained but could represent a sudden break in the relationship. The third stanza describes the aftermath of this break in more detail, with "disgust" and "uncleanliness" now characterizing the singer's view of their partner.


The final line, "You won't ever know me / You look, but you just don't see," suggests a sense of futility and despair. The singer feels like their partner will never truly understand them, no matter how hard they try. This may be because the partner is blinded by their own negative emotions, or because the singer has changed in some fundamental way that makes them unrecognizable to their partner.


Overall, the lyrics of "Estranged" are a powerful commentary on the fragility of human relationships and the damage that neglect and mistrust can cause. It is a song that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Inherent, ancient traces
Deep, inherent markings that were present since long ago


Insight reveals two faces
Knowledge brings to light two different sides


A pair used in conjunction
Two things working together in harmony


A form that follows function
Design that serves a particular purpose


A swift, purging decision
A fast and forceful action to remove something


Has shattered this cohesion
Has destroyed the unity and oneness


Neglect reveals the unseen
Lack of attention exposes the unnoticed


Mistrust is all you taught me
Distrust is the only lesson I learned


Inherent, ancient traces
Deep, inherent markings that were present since long ago


Delight has scarred these faces
Happiness left a mark of pain behind


A tear precedes destruction
A sign of sadness before everything falls apart


The form revise its function
The design alters its intended use


A swift, precise incision
A quick, exact cut


Has severed this cohesion
Has completely broken apart the unity


Neglect promotes the unclean
Ignoring leads to the growth of filth


Disgust is all you left me
The only feeling remaining is repulsion


You won't ever know me
You will never truly understand who I am


You look, but you just don't see
You observe, but you do not comprehend




Contributed by Victoria S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@TheLordCorbeau

I just had one of those very few moments in live where you just out of a sudden realise that the new band you are currently listening to is actually brilliant. A huge "thank you" to Acretongue for this precious feeling!!!

@tom_stephen

For me there are not very few, but indeed Acretongue sounds better than average brilliant band, haha. So I should say 'same here'.

@hugorabe4395

I still love this song so much <3

@oneillkza

Just reading about the coming deindustrialisation with the end of the age of oil, then flicked to this. With all the lights and traffic, combined with the lyrics, it takes on a whole new meaning. I can imagine a generation or two from now looking back at us, and thinking "Mistrust is all you taught me / Disgust is all you left me".

@schizoF

And Acretongue turned it into perfection 40 years later.

@TheLightningDreamer

This song makes me think of everything that has happened in the past till now

@Granualt

Superb!!! Greetings from CHASMA!!!

@peterrogner9608

dark ambient, geiler track

@OliverGarrandt

I'm just loving it!!! Well done! Pretty Video, brilliant Song!

@markusmarais

@RavenGray when oh when will Nico play live for us fans in SA ? I just discovered Acretongue a few weeks ago and it feels like I’ve been missing years of absolute brilliance

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