Named after a painting by the hugely prolific outsider artist Henry Darger, the duo of Boy King Islands was resurrected in the winter of 2002 when - then roommates - they stretched microphone chords around doors and through thin walls of their north side Chicago apartment to capture the beginnings of what would become their debut: buzzing Fender guitars with the gnarl of tube distortion; the tines of a Rhodes or the warm hum of a Wurlitzer; an mbira plucked through a wah pedal or a wooden box with broken glass and beads shook as percussion; and Mastoon’s whispery and always doubled vocals swimming in a wash of crashing cymbals.
Their signature sound grew to encompass more psychedelic influences and diverse orchestration over the next two albums ("Sun Worship" and the Kickstarter-funded "White Mirror"), but they remained true to their experimental aesthetic, carving out a unique and noisy niche in the ever-evolving non-genre of "rock music".
Now based in the Bay Area, Boy King Islands continues as the solo project of Zachary Mastoon.
Sweetness
Boy King Islands Lyrics
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I'm unsafe in your arms
Fingers losing hold
On heartstrings pulled apart
When you thaw, I'll drink your regret like wine
Sweetness
Tears stung remembering spring
Our mistakes unfold
Too numb to feel a thing
So, when you thaw, I'll drink your tears this time
Sweetness
The first verse of "Sweetness" by Boy King Islands delves into a toxic and unhealthy relationship. The lyrics "Secrets turn you cold, I'm unsafe in your arms" suggest that one person in the relationship is harboring secrets, which causes a sense of distance and emotional detachment. The phrase "Fingers losing hold, On heartstrings pulled apart" symbolizes the crumbling connection between the couple. The person's grip on love and intimacy is slipping away, resulting in a separation that is gradually unraveling their emotions.
The following lines, "When you thaw, I'll drink your regret like wine, Sweetness," allude to a future moment when the other person's remorse and guilt become apparent. The singer anticipates the day when the individual realizes the consequences of their actions and becomes remorseful. At that very moment, the singer metaphorically plans to consume this regret, comparing it to drinking wine. This could be interpreted as a desire for the person to experience the pain they have caused—an act of seeking some form of redemption or justice.
Moving on to the second verse, "The summer died so slow, Tears stung remembering spring," the lyrics metaphorically depict the gradual decay of the relationship. The once vibrant and joyful nature of their connection has withered away. The mention of tears and the feeling of nostalgia emphasize the pain and sadness experienced when remembering the past, specifically the spring, which symbolizes a period of new beginnings and hope.
The line "Our mistakes unfold, Too numb to feel a thing" suggests that the couple has made several errors and, as consequences accumulate, have become emotionally desensitized. The relationship has reached a point where neither party can fully feel or understand the impact of their actions. This emotional detachment further emphasizes the deteriorating state of their connection.
In the final lines, the singer reaffirms their stance, stating, "So, when you thaw, I'll drink your tears this time, Sweetness." This echoes the sentiment from the first verse, implying the singer's desire for the person to confront their emotions. The imagery of tears becomes the focal point, with the singer intending to "drink" them, emphasizing their intent to witness the pain the other person will ultimately experience. The repeated use of the word "Sweetness" throughout the song adds both a sarcastic and bitter tone, signifying the bitter-sweet nature of seeking vindication or revenge.
Line by Line Meaning
Secrets turn you cold
Holding onto secrets has made you distant and unfeeling
I'm unsafe in your arms
Being with you doesn't make me feel safe and secure
Fingers losing hold
Losing my grip on our relationship
On heartstrings pulled apart
Our emotional connection is becoming strained and torn
When you thaw, I'll drink your regret like wine
When you finally confront your regret, I'll embrace it and take it in
Sweetness
But despite the pain, there is a bittersweet taste to our relationship
The summer died so slow
The end of our happiness and love was a gradual and painful process
Tears stung remembering spring
Thinking back to the happy times we spent together brings tears of pain
Our mistakes unfold
Our errors and misjudgments in the relationship are becoming apparent
Too numb to feel a thing
We have become emotionally numb and unable to experience any emotions
So, when you thaw, I'll drink your tears this time
If you ever allow yourself to be vulnerable and cry, I'll be there to comfort you
Sweetness
Despite the hardships, there is still a gentle and comforting aspect to our connection
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Delmar Evans, Johnny Otis, Lamont Evans, Robert Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind