The song "Starving To Death In The Belly Of The Whale" by Hands Like Houses explores themes of pain, bitterness, revenge, and the desire to be left alone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and emotions the narrator is experiencing. The opening lines suggest that there is no easy solution or relief for the pain that is felt deep within. The comparison to vipers highlights the danger and toxicity of the situation, emphasizing the difficulty of dealing with it. The mention of puncture wounds and pale skin adds to the imagery of suffering and desperation. The act of smashing every vial of the cure implies a rejection of any potential remedy, possibly out of a sense of defiance or resentment. The lyrics also touch on the bitterness and hostility that can arise in relationships. The desire for a peaceful encounter, where they could have passed each other by, is expressed. However, instead of that, there is an exchange of poisonous words, indicating a toxic dynamic between the narrator and the subject of the song. The question posed, "If the sting would tear you inside out, wouldn't it be worth just holding it inside?", suggests the contemplation of whether it is better to keep one's pain and anger to oneself instead of letting it out and potentially causing more harm. It raises the idea that internalizing the pain might be a preferable option despite the agony it may cause. The words "Revenge should be honey on our tongues, but it's turned to ash in our mouths" describe a longing for revenge that has lost its sweetness and instead is a source of bitterness. This suggests that the desire for revenge has not led to the satisfaction or resolution that was anticipated. The closing line, "Empty out the hives of our honeycomb lungs," further emphasizes the idea of releasing the toxicity and negativity that has built up within, as if purging the source of pain. Overall, "Starving To Death In The Belly Of The Whale" portrays the struggles of holding onto pain, the bitterness that can arise in relationships, and the desire for release and peace.
