Anthill
Scuba Dvala Lyrics
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that my misery glows through my skin and makeup
the hole in my right cheek
lets out more than I want you to know about me
about me
where does the anthill lie?
I know people weren't meant to live on islands
and you said don't worry
but you need to figure out your life and hurry
hurry
where does the anthill lie?
you pinched me, said wake up
that my misery glows through my skin
but I don't know where to begin
where does the anthill lie?
In Scuba Dvala's song Anthill, the singer is seeking guidance and direction in their life, feeling lost and uncertain. The first stanza speaks to someone waking the singer up, as if they were asleep, and pointing out that their "misery glows through [their] skin and makeup." This may suggest that the singer is trying to hide their inner struggles and pain but is unable to do so successfully. The hole in their cheek is a physical manifestation of their emotional pain, letting out more than they want others to know about them. The repeated question, "where does the anthill lie?" is likely a metaphor for finding purpose or meaning in life, as ants are known for their industriousness and collaboration towards a shared goal. The singer is looking for direction and guidance, but it seems that they don't know where to start.
The second stanza continues to explore the singer's feeling of being lost and adrift. They know that people weren't meant to live on islands, or be totally isolated, but they don't know what to do next. The person they are speaking to offers some advice, telling them not to worry, but also pointing out that they need to figure out their life quickly. The repeated use of "hurry" conveys a sense of urgency and pressure that the singer is feeling. The final stanza returns to the opening image of being "pinched" awake, but this time the singer is admitting that they don't know where to begin. They are still seeking the anthill, or some kind of clear direction.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the challenges of finding one's purpose and direction in life when feeling lost and uncertain. The repeated question of "where does the anthill lie?" becomes a kind of mantra for the singer's search for meaning. The imagery of the hole in their cheek and their misery being visible through their skin and makeup suggests that the struggles we face internally inevitably manifest externally, whether we want them to or not. The advice the singer receives to "figure out [their] life" quickly may feel overwhelming, but it underscores the importance of taking action rather than remaining stuck in indecision.
Line by Line Meaning
you pinched me, said wake up
You startled me out of my own headspace.
that my misery glows through my skin and makeup
My sadness is too heavy to hide behind cosmetics.
the hole in my right cheek
There's an emotional scar on my face that I can't avoid.
lets out more than I want you to know about me
I'm afraid of showing my vulnerability and fear to you.
about me
There's a lot to me that's mysterious and hidden.
where does the anthill lie?
I'm searching for answers, for where my place is in the world.
I'm hunting for guidance
I'm seeking advice and insight to help me navigate life.
I know people weren't meant to live on islands
Humans need to connect and find community to thrive.
and you said don't worry
You tried to reassure me, but it's not that simple.
but you need to figure out your life and hurry
I need to start planning my future before it's too late.
you pinched me, said wake up
I need to stay alert and aware of my surroundings.
that my misery glows through my skin
My pain is visible and palpable.
but I don't know where to begin
I feel lost and unsure of where to start.
where does the anthill lie?
I'm still searching for my place, for where I belong.
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.