The song "Peasants" by Houses tells a story of desperation, longing, and hopelessness in a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a troubled situation where the protagonist finds solace in spirituality and seeks a way to escape their pain. The opening lines suggest a sense of desperation and a plea for guidance, as the protagonist is depicted as praying on their knees. Their "dirty" eyes symbolize the burdens and sins they carry, while the "bee sting on your heart" represents the emotional hurt they or their partner has experienced. Despite their efforts, they feel powerless to stop the rain from coming down, symbolizing the continuous sorrow or difficulties they face. The phrase "Tonight, in this house, we drown" suggests that their relationship or situation is drowning them emotionally. The chorus introduces a glimmer of hope in the form of celestial imagery. The protagonist sees the stars aligning and keeps the moon by their side, perhaps representing celestial forces aligning in their favor or providing guidance. However, the line "And as the fever starts to break" implies that these hopeful moments are temporary or fleeting. The protagonist expresses their commitment and loyalty to their partner in the verse, stating that they would willingly make sacrifices for them. The imagery of digging up bones represents the past and the burdens they bear in the relationship. The partner's body being compared to a "dirty ant hill" suggests that their presence, while problematic, is also a source of connection and familiarity for the protagonist. The line "You are my iron light, and I am your dark tonight" conveys a sense of dependence on each other, with the iron light symbolizing strength and the darkness symbolizing the protagonist's troubled emotions. Overall, the song explores themes of hope, struggle, and the duality of relationships. It depicts a protagonist trapped in a troublesome situation, finding solace and hope in spirituality while grappling with the complexities of their emotions and commitments.
