Vertigo
Black Orchid Empire Lyrics

The lyrics to "Vertigo" by Black Orchid Empire seem to revolve around the themes of fear, secrets, and the weight of knowledge. The opening lines express a sense of uncertainty and not knowing one's own thoughts. However, the singer also admits that nothing scares them anymore, suggesting a sense of resilience or desensitization. The line "go get your shine box" could be interpreted as a reference to the film "Goodfellas," where it is a phrase used to dismiss or belittle someone. In this context, it could imply a dismissive attitude towards external expectations or judgments.

The chorus introduces the idea that what the singer is experiencing is not truly vertigo, but rather the fear of falling down. This could be seen as a metaphor for the fear of failure or losing control. The following line, "It ain't what you know, it's the weight under which you drown," further emphasizes the idea that knowledge, or perhaps the burden of knowledge, can be overwhelming and suffocating.

The second verse shifts focus to the listener, asking them to divulge their secrets and questioning how they always seem to know how to live. This could imply a sense of envy or admiration for someone who appears to have life figured out. The subsequent lines convey a sense of frustration or being left out, as the singer feels like the last to feel or understand something. The promise to carry whatever they can for their best friend suggests loyalty and support.

The closing lines of the song employ vivid imagery, describing a world in shades of greyscale and the inescapability of dust. Holding onto each other's hands becomes a symbol of connection and stability, amidst the uncertainty and secrets of life. The singer offers to share everything that one should never know, highlighting a willingness to trust and confide.

Overall, "Vertigo" explores themes of fear, knowledge, secrets, resilience, and the complexities of human connections.