Baobab
Mouth of the Architect Lyrics

The opening lines of Mouth of the Architect's song Baobab describe a powerful emotional buildup, a storm of feelings that have been held beneath the surface for too long. The metaphorical "it" that swelled and broke the skin could be any pent-up emotion - anger, sadness, regret, or even love. Whatever it is, it is too powerful to be contained any longer and spills out uncontrollably, like a storm that cannot be tamed. But the person who has been carrying these emotions has the power to let them go, to release them and let them die in their arms. It's unclear whether this letting go brings relief or more pain, but the sense of loss is palpable.

The rest of the lyrics describe the aftermath of this emotional storm, and the devastating toll it takes on those who witness it. Watching someone fall into the fire alone is a powerful image of isolation and despair - the person has been consumed by their emotions and is alone in their suffering. The repeated line "our hearts broke without you, our hearts would have followed you" adds to this sense of loss - the person's pain and isolation has left behind a deep void that cannot be filled. The image of a baobab tree (a type of tree known for its deep roots and longevity) in the video for the song reinforces the idea that while the surface may be fleeting, the pain and emotions run deep and can last for a long time.