Coma
Big Thief Lyrics

At first, the lyrics to Big Thief's song "Coma" may seem cryptic and confusing. However, upon further analysis, the song appears to be about the effects of trauma and the struggle to re-establish a sense of self after experiencing it.

The first stanza seems to describe a nonconsensual sexual encounter where the singer is seeking to "get off" by manipulating his partner. The lyrics "He put her in to get out" suggest that he may have found himself feeling trapped or helpless before deciding to use someone else for his own pleasure. The phrase "To get off" adds to the sense of selfishness and exploitation, as the singer is only seeking to satisfy his own desires. The repetition of "off" at the end of the stanza further emphasizes the feeling of disconnection and detachment.

The following lyrics appear to be addressed to someone in a coma, likely the singer's mother based on the line "You can wake up now, momma." The repetition of "you won't recognize your house" suggests that the trauma has caused a significant shift in worldview and identity, potentially leading to a dissociative state. The repeated phrase "Iris of the body" could refer to the eye as a symbol of perception and recognition, highlighting the struggle to reconcile past experiences with present reality.

In summary, "Coma" is a haunting and evocative song that delves into the aftermath of trauma and the struggle to form a cohesive and stable sense of self.