The song "Serpents" by Grieves tells a story of a toxic and abusive relationship. In the song, the narrator recounts traumatic experiences from their past involving the person they are addressing. The lyrics in the intro indicate that the narrator was pushed out of a window in the second grade by this person, causing them to fall into bushes. They describe the pain and fear they felt during this incident, seeing the evilness in the person's eyes. The line "smiling like you would have hid my body in the basement" suggests that the individual is capable of doing further harm. The chorus reflects the narrator's struggle to comprehend and define the person. They express confusion about who this person truly is and wonder if it's even possible for them to change or escape their toxic behavior. Others also inquire about this person, but the narrator doesn't know how to answer because they are uncertain about their identity. In the second verse, the narrator listens through a wall and witnesses the person encounter their own demons, which forcefully take them away. The narrator holds out hope that the person will change, comparing it to the change in moonlight colors, only to be disappointed. The line "laughing like you would have fed your family to the serpent" emphasizes the person's dangerous and manipulative traits. The lyrics in the bridge imply the narrator's desperation to help and support this person, despite their harmful actions. However, they acknowledge that their attempts have been futile in the past. Overall, "Serpents" explores the damaging effects of an abusive relationship and the complexities of trying to understand and interact with someone who exhibits toxic behavior. It highlights the struggle to reconcile the love and concern one may feel for the person with the need to protect oneself from harm.
