Like a Killer
Scarling. Lyrics

The Scarling. song "Like a Killer" is a powerful and introspective piece about the emotional scars left by parental neglect, bullying, and self-doubt. The lyrics are filled with metaphors that convey the singer's rage and despair, but also her resilience and determination. The first verse alludes to the singer's father, who was distant and dismissive, never supportive of her dreams or fears. The army coat he wore is a symbol of his authority and his emotional armor, which the singer resents and imitates. She feels like a soldier in a battle she can't win, either by running away or fighting back. The reference to a classmate who wrote her name on his desk is a poignant reminder of childhood innocence, but also of cruelty and isolation. The singer identifies with him because he acknowledges her existence, even if it's in a hostile way. She likes the connection, the feeling of being seen, but also the anger that comes with it. The chorus of the song expresses the intensity of the singer's feelings, the all-consuming desire for love and validation that she would do anything to get, even if it means hurting or killing someone. The use of "love sex" as a compound noun underscores the confusion and desperation of the singer's emotions. She wants both, but can't have either, and so she resorts to violence as a means of control.

The second verse of the song continues the theme of rejection and shame, but this time focuses on the singer's own shortcomings. She feels like a liar because she can't live up to her own expectations or society's standards. She sees herself as a "kitten with a gun," a harmless creature with a dangerous weapon, meaningless gestures with lethal consequences. She fights tooth and nail to be accepted, but it's all in vain. The reference to a sister who was "never good enough" is a hint at the singer's own family dynamics, but also at the wider society that judges women by their appearance and behavior. The singer rebels against this pressure by becoming "weird," which is both a defense mechanism and a statement of identity. She is overfed and deaf to criticism, because she needs to survive on her own terms. The final verse of the song brings a twist to the narrative, as the singer addresses her tormentor, who is also her lover. The killer in the dead of night is a metaphor for the singer's own aggression, but also for her lover's power over her. She no longer fights back, but lets herself be consumed by his passion, laying still and quiet. This could be interpreted as a sign of surrender, or of submission, but also of revenge. The singer is no longer angry, but she is not at peace either.