The Horrible Crowes's song "I Witnessed A Crime" portrays a story of a tumultuous relationship that is characterized by emotional turmoil and manipulation. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist feels trapped and victimized within this relationship. The opening lines convey the idea that everything seems to suffer when they come into contact with the moon, night, or stars, reflecting the negative energy surrounding the couple. The protagonist's heart is not understood or sympathized with by their partner, and holding hands with them feels like witnessing a crime, indicating a sense of violation or distress. As they drive together in silence, the protagonist is left to just try to breathe, suggesting a suffocating atmosphere in the relationship. They mention that they rarely communicate or address their emotional wounds, choosing instead to live in the limbo of sleep. In a dream, the protagonist's screams are likened to baby's breath, emphasizing their vulnerability and powerlessness. They observe their partner stealing the air, symbolizing the way in which the relationship gradually drains their spirit. The partner justifies their actions by claiming they were driven to madness by the heat, possibly alluding to emotional intensity or passion. They admit to causing pain and harm, but dismiss it as something people do all the time, belittling the protagonist's suffering. The mention of blood in the eyes signifies tears and emotional distress, with the partner expecting the protagonist to stop crying and accept their actions without questioning them. Towards the end of the song, the protagonist's confident and charismatic nature fades in the arms of their partner, suggesting that their individuality is eroded within the relationship. The protagonist reflects on how their heart was disregarded, and on the drive home, they feel as though they have witnessed a crime, potentially acknowledging the emotional manipulation and abuse they have endured. Overall, "I Witnessed A Crime" portrays the tumultuous and toxic nature of a relationship where one person's emotions are disregarded, while the other person manipulates and harms them. The song highlights the power dynamics, emotional turmoil, and the protagonist's journey towards recognizing the abusive nature of the relationship.
