The song "While The Flies" by The Joy Formidable tells a story of loss, remembrance, and the struggle to find solace in the face of tragedy. The lyrics speak to the experience of witnessing someone being taken away and feeling helpless in preventing their fate. The song begins with the lines, "They took you running, you thought they made you feel safe // I watched it all I'll never be the same again." This suggests that the protagonist witnessed someone they cared about being led away and feels forever changed by the experience. The lines "All this all will seem the same // They left you falling and no one remembers your name" reinforce the sense of loss and anonymity that the person endured. The protagonist addresses someone named Khalil, implying a personal connection. They express their attempt to save Khalil, but ultimately failed. The line "I can't forget but these arms they tried in vain" highlights their struggle to forget the traumatic event and their inability to save the person. The chorus, "I'll take you with me eyes are falling inside // I fall apart but it ever beckons" conveys the protagonist's desire to hold onto the memories of Khalil and keep them close, despite their own emotional turmoil. The repetition of this line emphasizes their commitment to never forgetting. The second verse introduces the idea of throwing pennies and making wishes as a means of finding some form of redemption or closure. The protagonist hopes that by making these wishes, they can bring Khalil back or somehow heal their own pain. The bridge of the song describes a haunting and unsettling atmosphere. The spotlight shaking, the drips turning into walls, and the rise of frost in the heat of a sad face all contribute to the sense of unease and confusion surrounding the protagonist's emotions. The line "The silent siren" suggests an internal struggle or emotional turmoil the protagonist is silently enduring. Overall, "While The Flies" explores themes of loss, helplessness, and the difficulty of moving on after experiencing tragedy. It serves as an expression of grief and the determination to remember and honor those who have been lost.
