More specifically, the song is about the U.S.’s practice of meddling in foreign countries in pursuit of oil. It causes the listener to consider how certain U.S. policies and military actions related to the pursuit of that oil in the Middle East have helped provoke Middle Eastern animosity toward the U.S. “Black honey” refers to petroleum, and the bees from whom that honey must be removed symbolize the inhabitants of oil-producing Middle Eastern countries.
Dustin Kensrue told NPR, in an interview,
Lyrically, the song spawned from an image that popped into my head: someone continually swatting at a swarm of bees to get their honey, but somehow not understanding why they would sting back in return."
An additional quote that was in Thrice’s press release (link), but was removed from the NPR article is:
It seemed like a fitting metaphor for much of U.S. foreign policy.
Similarly, the Vagrant Records Thrice bio states,
Elsewhere the ominous “Black Honey” considers the detrimental effects of deja vu foreign policy. “We keep doing the same things and expecting to get something good out of it,” says Dustin exasperated. “We’ve built problem on problem on problem, and now we find ourselves with ISIS and people are like—maybe we’ll do more of the same! It hasn’t worked yet: so maybe we need more of holistic approach to what we’re doing.”
An older Thrice song, “The Sky Is Falling”, covered similar themes and was a regular on Thrice’s Summer 2016 To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere tour setlist
Black Honey
Thrice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want honey on my table
I keep swinging my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I want honey on my table
But I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I can't understand why they're stinging me
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
Till you do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
I try to stick this pin through a butterfly 'cause I
I like all the pretty colors
It just fell apart, so I flung it in the fire
To burn with all the others
'Cause I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I keep swinging my hand through a swarm of bees
I can't understand why they're stinging me
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
Till you do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
This time, I'll get it right
This time, I'll get it right
It's gonna be this time, I'll get it right
God, let it be this time I get it right
So I'm cutting that branch off the cherry tree
Singing, "This will be my victory,"
Then I see them coming after me
And they're following me across the sea
And now they're stinging my friends and my family
And I don't know why this is happening
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
I keep swinging my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I want honey on my table
The lyrics of Thrice's song "Black Honey" are an allegory of the quest for fulfillment and the cost of selfishness. The repeated motif of the singer reaching for honey from a swarm of bees highlights his desire for sweetness and abundance, but also his recklessness and lack of regard for the danger and chaos he causes. The line "I can't understand why they're stinging me" suggests that the singer is oblivious to the consequences of his actions and the harm he inflicts on himself and others.
The chorus "But I'll do what I want, I'll do what I please, I'll do it again till I've got what I need" reinforces the theme of selfishness, as the singer prioritizes his own satisfaction over the well-being and safety of others. The line "Do you understand I deserve the best" reveals his entitlement and sense of privilege, which drive him to destroy anything that stands in the way of his desires.
The second half of the song introduces a shift in perspective, as the singer realizes that his actions have consequences that extend beyond himself. The lines "See them coming after me and they're following me across the sea" suggest that the consequences of his recklessness have caught up with him and are now affecting those close to him. The final plea to God for guidance and redemption indicates a sense of remorse and a desire for change, but the haunting repetition of "I want honey on my table" suggests that the singer's selfish impulses are not easily overcome.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep swinging my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I am willing to take risks and face the danger of getting stung by bees just to get what I want, which is honey on my table.
I want honey on my table
Having honey on my table represents my desire for the sweet things in life that bring me comfort and pleasure.
But I never get it right
Despite my continuous efforts, I have not been successful in achieving my goals or fulfilling my desires.
I can't understand why they're stinging me
I am confused and frustrated as to why my actions are causing me harm or difficulties.
But I'll do what I want
Despite the consequences or risks, I am determined to pursue my own desires and goals.
I'll do what I please
I refuse to be held back or restrained by anyone or anything and will do whatever I want without any regard for others.
I'll do it again till I've got what I need
I will keep trying until I achieve what I desire, no matter how many times I fail or how many obstacles I encounter.
Do you understand I deserve the best?
I believe that I am entitled to the best things in life and will stop at nothing to attain them, regardless of the cost or impact on others.
I try to stick this pin through a butterfly 'cause I
I am willing to harm or destroy something beautiful just to satisfy my own curiosity or desire.
I like all the pretty colors
Despite my destructive tendencies, I am still drawn to things that are aesthetically pleasing and visually attractive.
It just fell apart, so I flung it in the fire
When I am unable to achieve what I want or experience disappointment, I react impulsively and often destroy or discard what I was pursuing.
This time, I'll get it right
Despite my previous failures, I still hold onto the belief and hope that I can eventually achieve my goals and desires.
God, let it be this time I get it right
I am pleading to a higher power or force to help me achieve what I desire and finally succeed in my endeavors.
So I'm cutting that branch off the cherry tree
I am willing to take bold and drastic actions to achieve my goals, even if it means damaging or destroying something else in the process.
Singing, 'This will be my victory,'
I am optimistic and confident that my actions will lead to success and that my desires will finally be fulfilled.
See them coming after me
My actions have consequences and are causing harm or difficulties for me and those around me.
And they're following me across the sea
The repercussions of my actions are far-reaching and have consequences that extend beyond my immediate surroundings.
And now they're stinging my friends and my family
My pursuit of my own desires and goals is causing harm or distress to those closest to me.
Don't know why this is happening
I am unable to recognize or understand the consequences of my actions or the impact they have on others.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Dustin Michael Kensrue, Edward Carrington Breckenridge, James Riley Breckenridge, Teppei Teranishi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewgotlost
With my meds, my adhd, the declining state of society, and half of my waking hours dedicated to mindless repetitive tasks on a computer for money, I dont really feel much of anything anymore. Occasionally I might feel a shred of the dreams and ambitions of my youth flash inside my mind, but it all just fades away bit by bit everday.
That energy and enthusiasm I once felt in my chest and in my soul, watching the sunset with my friends, walking the streets on warm summer nights, wondering what great adventure life had in store for me; they were just memories of what was never meant to be.
But when I play this music, I feel again. The energy of those summer nights, of my destiny, they come rushing back through me. I havent wanted to sing in so long, but for the first time in years i found myself singing along.
You dont know how much this song, your music means to me right here, right now at 5pm on september 8th, 2021. I know what I need to do and now, you ignite the embers that were growing cold and stoked the flames that were dormant inside me.
Thank you for this gift, Thrice.
Thank you.
@Alex_OMalley
LYRICS:
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I want honey on my table
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I want honey on my table
But I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees
I can't understand why they're stingin' me
But I'll do what I want, I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
And I'll do what I want, I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I got what I need
I try to stick this pin through a butterfly 'cause I
I like all the pretty colors
But it just fell apart, so I flung it in the fire
To burn with all the others
'Cause I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees
I can't understand why they're stingin' me
But I'll do what I want, I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
'Til you do what I want, I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
And this time, I'll get it right
This time, I'll get it right
It's gonna be this time, I'll get it right
God, let it be this time, I get it right
So I'm cuttin' that branch off the cherry tree
Singin' this will be my victory
Then I
See them comin' after me
And they're followin' me across the sea
And now they're stingin' my friends and my family
And I
I don't know why this is happening
But I'll do what I want, I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I got what I need
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees 'cause I
I want honey on my table
@Andrew-eb3xs
The first time I listened to this song, not catching all the lyrics, it resonated with me. Swinging my hand through a swarm of bees even though it'll hurt me, over and over again, because I deserve "the best" or, in the very least, better. That, to me, represented retaliation against mistreatment, knowing that it'll get you hurt in the end, because you love yourself and you know you deserve better. You won't stop fighting for better.
And then, upon reading the lyrics in full, it almost reads like the opposite perspective. This person is childish and destructive, and they harm people for something that they feel they need (luxury, control, "honey") but they have no tact. They fucked up the bees' nest. And yet they don't understand why the bees retaliate because they're apathetic. They haven't thought about the bees, and frankly, care more for themselves than what they're destroying.
Their untreated narcissism has affected innocent creatures and then ultimately their family and friends. People they love.
One commenter pointed out the interpretation that this song is about the USA's relationship with the Middle East. "Black honey" is oil, and people are too blinded by nationalism to figure out why there's retaliation. What adds to that interpretation is the video, where a young boy is told this story over and over, angrily, by people much older than him. An angry old man, a father maybe, a blonde woman. They teach him this nationalism so repetitively and so matter-of-factly that he begins repeating it himself. It mirrors experiences a lot of young people have had, where their older relatives tell them what to believe. That's scary.
All that being said, I'm not from the US and can't really comment further on that interpretation of this song
@The1WithoutFear
I truly admire and respect your take on this song's underlying themes and presentation! Personally, as a Christian, I always took this to be a retelling of the story of Samson, ancient Israel's worst judge (and, as my youth pastor put, "the life well wasted").
He was chosen by God before he was even born to be a Judge of Israel (which, in terms of biblical narrative and Mosaic law) meant that you were among one of the most revered individuals in the country. You were responsible for the preservation of God's text, and handing out righteous and authoritative justice on the people who revered God.
He was also the guy who, at every opportunity, screwed it all up. He married a woman from a culture that didn't revere the God of the Israelites, and during his wedding feast, gambled away the clothes of 300 men; only to turn around and burn their houses to the ground by tying torches to the tails of foxes and letting them loose.
He then broke one of God's laws that he was taught to protect by eating honey from the stomach of a lion he had killed a few days ago (which, the titular Black Honey may be referring to - honeycomb stained with coagulated blood).
He murdered an entire battalion of men with the jawbone of a donkey just because he knew he had the physical strength to do so, with complete disregard for the political consequences of killing the soldiers of a neighboring hostile empire.
Next, as my youth pastor put it, he was so bad at his job as a judge of Israel that the author of the Book of Judges was instructed by God to not jot anything down from the time of the slaughter to the time Samson met Delilah! And of course, most familiar with this Bible story knows where it goes from there - Samson (presumably) slept around with Delilah, was wooed by her into giving up the secrets to his colossal strength, and was then shaved and blinded (which I think is what the singer is mirroring during the bridge of the song - his helplessness and vulnerability, FINALLY turning his blinded eyes to the Lord for what seems like the first time in ages).
.....Only for his ego to once again strike as he brings down the temple the heathenous Philistines had built with his bare hands using strength he never thanked God for, and dying in the process, leaving the era of the Judges of Israel at an unfulfilled end prior to the time of Ruth, King David, King Solomon, and the Babylonian exile - hence why the song ends so unfulfillingly, with the singer sounding as though he has ultimately learned nothing from where he started; sounding weaker, but nonetheless prideful and selfish.
At least, that's just what I get from this song. :)
@dari4922
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees cause I
I want honey on my table
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees cause I
I want honey on my table
But I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees
I can't understand why they're stingin' me
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
'Til you do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
I try to stick this pin through a butterfly cause I
I like all the pretty colors
It just fell apart, so I flung it in the fire
To burn with all the others
Cause I never get it right
No, I never get it right
I keep swinging my hand through a swarm of bees
I can't understand why they're stinging me
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
I'll rip and smash through the hornet's nest
Do you understand I deserve the best?
'Til you do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
This time, I'll get it right
This time, I'll get it right
It's gonna be this time
I'll get it right
God, let it be this time
I get it right
So I'm cuttin' that branch off the cherry tree
Singin' this will be my victory
Then I
See them comin' after me
And they're followin me across the sea
And now they're stingin my friends and my family
And I
Don't know why this is happening
But I'll do what I want
I'll do what I please
I'll do it again 'til I've got what I need
I keep swingin' my hand through a swarm of bees cause I
I want honey on my table.
@trickboarder247
At least part of it, i think, is about how we learn the habits of those who came before us. If you notice in the beginning the boy is just sitting there while the adults lecture him, and by the end of the ride hes saying the words in unison with them. I think the glowing eye bit is just supposed to symbolize that he is still innocent and is absorbing whats going on around him.
When he finally leaves the car is right when Dustin is through singing "This time I'll get it right". I think this means he's out on his own. He walks past all of his elders as if to say they're in his past, he has their memory, but they are no longer directly influencing his decisions.
The last scene is in a garden to me is symbolic that a choice must be made. Fruit is only ripe for a certain amount of time until it rots..it could also reference the garden of Eden. (ultimate choice was made)
In the end he walks away without his shirt. I think this symbolizes that he chose to do things differently and is stripped of the baggage of those who came before him.
Someone had said earlier they thought the song was about the US' pursuit of oil overseas. I could see that. Until we break the cycle we'll just keep experiencing the same things we have in the past.
@StrikerVulsine
The guy who is driving when the chorus starts delivers a hell of a performance.
@beezybeez6285
This is so good but you must hear "The Wave" or "Whispering Wolf" by SLT 🤘🐺
@bman6198
I could really feel his expressions.
@nevertell2449
rhay pretty much all do
@KingBabyX2100
2024 and still listening?😎 leave a Like❤️😊
@beezybeez4207
This is so good but you must hear “Whispering Wolf “ or “Live Not Survive” by SLT 🤘🐺🔥🐺🤘
@JohnnyWednesday
@@beezybeez4207 - you've typed that on so many comments that I will now never listen to SLT as long as I live.
@beezybeez4207
@@JohnnyWednesday thx for listening 🤘🙏
@DavidOliveira-gy2dg
If it's great music you're damn sure I'm listening
@nicoleviper4090
2023 and I’m still here listening to this masterpiece of a song, it’s a song I always go back to, never fails to hit!