"Teeth" by The Japanese House is a song that explores themes of pain, vulnerability, and the complexities of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is emotionally scarred and unable to fully express their feelings. The opening lines, "I'm still burned and my blood it creeps, I'm the sun-flooded mouth and I can not speak," suggest a sense of internal turmoil. The protagonist is dealing with deep emotional pain that has left them speechless and unable to properly articulate their thoughts and emotions. The repetition of the line, "I could be anything," conveys a sense of openness and willingness to change. Despite the pain they are going through, the protagonist acknowledges their capacity for growth and transformation. The refrain, "And it was so brief, A kick in the teeth, Oil and powdered lungs, Because I know how to breathe, And it was so brief, One more time for luck, And then I go home," describes a fleeting experience, possibly a romantic encounter. The powerful imagery of being kicked in the teeth and the mention of oil and powdered lungs evoke a sense of harshness and struggle. Yet, the protagonist acknowledges their resilience and ability to persevere. The second verse delves into the complexities of love. The lines, "You're the movements in my sleep, You are the words I couldn't keep, I saw the fumes and watched them seep, Into the wounds, you bare to bleed," portray a sense of longing and an inability to hold onto and express love. The protagonist is haunted by their lover, unable to forget their presence and the impact they had on their life. The repetition of the refrain emphasizes the fleeting nature of the experience and the feeling of transience. It suggests that the protagonist is aware that moments like these are short-lived and that after one last attempt, they will have to return to their regular life. Overall, "Teeth" delves into the complexities of emotions, relationships, and the struggles of opening up and expressing oneself. The song captures a sense of vulnerability while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the protagonist.
