Glossolalia
Vic Chesnutt & Liz Durrett Lyrics

The lyrics of Vic Chesnutt & Liz Durrett's song Glossolalia delve deep into the psyche of a person who feels like a stranger in their own world. The opening line "I am a stranger" immediately sets the tone of the song and the feeling of being lost and alone. The imagery of a "vicious wilderness" adds to the sense of danger and lack of safety in this person's mind.

The meat in the chest line is particularly interesting as it refers to the heart and describes how it squeezes and teases, possibly hinting at the feelings of anxiety and panic that can be overwhelming. The use of the phrase "hulking hunger" adds to this by making it seem like there is a physical force pushing this person forward. The idea of balance being a "shimmering notion" emphasizes the lack of control they feel.

The later verses describe how this person finds solace in their own sense of self-expression, even if it is incomprehensible to others. The "spilling dead wicked desert" is an evocative image that hints at death and decay, but then goes on to describe it as a source of dancing and energy. They sing their soul in "glossolalia" - a term that refers to speaking in tongues and the idea of communicating directly to their own soul.

The song is a beautifully crafted piece that offers a unique insight into the mind of someone struggling with their own thoughts and emotions. It offers a sense of hope that even in the darkest places, there is always a form of beauty to be found.