Eleanor
The Gathering Lyrics

The lyrics to The Gathering's song Eléanor are poetic and introspective, grappling with themes of identity, deception, and toxic relationships. The song opens with the image of a mask that the singer has buried themselves into, creating a facade that is "coal-black" and inscrutable. The singer is worn down by the constant changes in the other person's demeanor, observing that they adopt a new face every day. This leads the singer to wonder what would happen if they were to "unscrew" the mask and reveal the person's true identity. The suggestion is that there might be nothing left of this person underneath the various guises they've adopted.

The chorus of the song presents a powerful metaphor for the struggles of life, describing it as a quicksand that drags us down into a circle. The "you" in this line suggests that the person being addressed is in danger of being swallowed up by the harsh realities of existence, with the implication being that they might not be able to be saved. The second verse of the song continues the critique of the person's behavior, describing them as someone who actively seeks to break down others in order to pursue their own selfish interests. The singer is growing tired of this person and their manipulative ways, feeling sorry for them but also feeling like they are making themselves and those around them look like fools.

Overall, the lyrics to Eléanor are a compelling meditation on the costs of self-deception and the damage that toxic behavior can do to oneself and others. The song is clearly the work of a talented lyricist who is able to grapple with complex themes in a way that is both poetic and accessible.