Joseph Arthur's song "Haunted Eyes" is a poetic and introspective piece that explores themes of love, obsession, and guilt. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a complicated and tumultuous relationship. The song begins by describing the subject's eyes as big and mesmerizing, symbolizing their intense presence and influence. The imagery of fingers reaching into the singer's stomach lining suggests a deep emotional connection and vulnerability. The subject's voice is compared to a crying alley cat, conveying both pain and longing. The lyrics suggest that the subject is relentless in their pursuit of the singer, never giving up on trying to "undress" them. The line "You make yourself into a mirror to reflect me" implies that the subject molds themselves to the singer's desires and expectations. However, the singer realizes that their own eyes are shallow stones in a prison of bones. This could symbolize feelings of emptiness and confinement caused by the relationship. The repetition in their features highlights the patterns of fear that the singer's experiences have created. The chorus delves deeper into the nature of the subject's eyes. They are described as haunted, huge, and empty, fluttering like butterfly wings. These haunting eyes serve as a constant observer, always watching the subject breathe. The lyrics also reveal a sense of violence within the relationship. The subject's words become menacing, and the singer realizes that they are both fat and flat, suggesting a lack of substance or depth. The imagery of a star in a jar and a monster chewing on a worm symbolizes the subject's destructive tendencies and their betrayal of innocence. The singer acknowledges their part in the destructive dynamics, admitting to helping the subject self-destruct. The guilt weighs heavily on the singer, affecting their peace of mind. The guilt and lies are represented by a darker shade of white, hinting at hidden truths and deception. In the final lines, the singer expresses a desire to be punished in order to feel alright, suggesting a need for catharsis or resolution. They question the everlasting nature of their connection, contemplating whether it will ever truly end. Overall, "Haunted Eyes" delves into the complex emotions and experiences within a toxic relationship. It explores themes of obsession, guilt, manipulation, and self-destruction, painting a vivid and haunting picture of the singer's struggles.
