The Queenstons is an alias of Emma Essex under the Halley Labs label. They … Read Full Bio ↴The Queenstons is an alias of Emma Essex under the Halley Labs label. They were originally envisioned a "duo" comprised of Renard and Jackal Queenston, but that was later ignored and the alias is currently portrayed as the "Figurehead" design. They produce anthem style drum and bass with influences from liquid DnB and trancestep, many times much happier than the other drum and bass alias Jackal Queenston. The Queenstons is also one of the few aliases that has original vocals.

Can't Look Away
The Queenstons Lyrics

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the darkness overhead
reminds me of when i bled
the cavity within my chest fills with you

my heart still beats in time to yours
black holes collapse as the rain pours
the cavity within my chest turns blue

every time i close my eyes
i have to compromise
my safety on the edge
can't look away

but i look away anyway
lost in a place i shouldn't stay
but i look away anyway
just to be where i feel safe

but i look away anyway
lost in a place i shouldn't stay
but i look away anyway
just to be where i feel safe

every time i close my eyes
i have to compromise

my safety on the edge
can't look away

Overall Meaning

In "Can't Look Away," The Queenstons describe a struggle between safety and the allure of danger. The darkness overhead and memories of past wounds open up a cavity within the lyricist's chest that can only be filled by the object of their affection. Their heart beats in sync with the beat of their lover's heart, even as the world around them collapses. The lyricist is torn between wanting to keep their eyes open to the danger but also looking away to feel safe. Despite knowing they shouldn't stay in this dangerous place, the pull towards safety is too strong.

The lyrics play with the concept of pain and pleasure being inherently tied together. The physical pain of bleeding and the emotional pain of being on the edge of danger are contrasted with the pleasure of feeling a connection with another person. In order to feel safe, the lyricist has to compromise and turn a blind eye to the danger they're in. The repetition of the lines "every time I close my eyes, I have to compromise" reinforces the idea that this struggle happens each time they try to escape reality.

Line by Line Meaning

the darkness overhead
The singer is noticing the dark sky above.

reminds me of when i bled
The singer associates the darkness with a previous experience of pain.

the cavity within my chest fills with you
The singer's heart fills with emotion towards the person they are addressing.

my heart still beats in time to yours
The artist feels deeply connected with the person they are addressing.

black holes collapse as the rain pours
The artist is describing a dramatic and intense scene around them.

the cavity within my chest turns blue
The singer's emotional state changes to sadness or depression.

every time i close my eyes
The singer is referring to a recurring experience.

i have to compromise
The artist must make a difficult decision.

my safety on the edge
The artist is risking their own well-being.

can't look away
Despite the danger, the artist cannot turn their attention elsewhere.

but i look away anyway
Despite acknowledging the risk, the singer still makes the decision to turn their attention elsewhere.