Uncatena
Sylvan Esso Lyrics

The lyrics of Sylvan Esso's 'Uncatena' are open to interpretation, but they seem to depict a carefree moment of communal bonding. The song starts with a scene of friends washing dishes together in the kitchen, with the sound of ringing bowls and water splashing around them. The singer feels the presence of someone behind them, possibly a friend or a lover, and the sensory experience of the moment is vividly described. Salty water and the touch of others are presented as unifying factors, making them 'steer' as a group.

The second verse seems to be more abstract and enigmatic, but it introduces a contrast between a 'skinny man with a whale to hold his hand' and the desire to trade places with him. This could refer to different possibilities: envy for someone who seems to have a comforting companion, a sense of disorientation in one's own body or environment, or a desire to escape from one's current situation. The lyrical imagery becomes more intense in the third verse, where the singer describes themselves swimming among 'slippery beginnings' and white linen sheets. They seem to be struggling against something, holding their limbs clenched and mouth resistant. This could suggest a personal or emotional struggle or a fear of drowning, but the exact meaning remains elusive.

The last lines of the song, 'All I want from you is a letter and to be your distant lover / That is all that I can offer at this time', introduce a note of wistfulness and longing. The singer seems to be seeking a connection of some kind, but acknowledges that they can only offer a limited form of affection or communication. The song ends abruptly, leaving the listener to ponder the different moods and themes it evokes.