"Metal Baby" is a song by Benjamin Gibbard, the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie. The lyrics depict a complicated relationship between the singer and a woman referred to as "Metal Baby." The song revolves around the contrasting personalities and lifestyles of the two individuals. The narrator describes himself as a responsible and cautious person, while Metal Baby is rebellious and unpredictable. The line "I'm not the sort of person she'll admit she knows" suggests that Metal Baby may not fully acknowledge or appreciate the narrator's qualities. The term "Metal Baby" is metaphorical, symbolizing the woman's rebellious nature. It implies that she is strong-willed and has a certain allure, similar to the power of heavy metal music. The gun mentioned in the lyrics signifies her ability to influence and control the narrator. The narrator's conflict arises from his relationship with Metal Baby. Despite being a mother, which typically suggests a sense of responsibility and stability, she still has a hold on him. The lyrics express his feeling of being "on the run" and being manipulated, as Metal Baby has a metaphorical trigger on a gun. The song also touches on the narrator's reluctance to conform to Metal Baby's unconventional lifestyle. He expresses his resistance to going to heavy metal shows and unwillingly drinking her perfume, showing a disconnect between their preferences and desires. In the latter part of the song, Metal Baby leaves the city to join a heavy metal band. This further emphasizes her rebellious nature and her inclination to follow her own path, irrespective of the narrator's feelings or expectations. Overall, "Metal Baby" portrays a relationship characterized by tension and disparity. The song explores the challenges and complexities of being drawn to someone with an opposing nature and the struggle to maintain a connection despite these differences.
