The Meaning Behind The Song: Violence by Grimes
Canadian musician Claire Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, released her song “Violence” in August of 2019. The single, which features producer i_o, is a dark and moody piece that is both catchy and disturbing. Here, we examine the meaning behind the song and how it relates to Grimes’ artistic vision.
The Lyrics and Tone of Violence
The first thing that strikes the listener about “Violence” is its ominous tone. The song begins with a slow and eerie synth melody that sets the mood for what’s to come. Grimes’ ethereal vocals join in and sing the first two lines of the chorus: “If you lie down with dogs then you’ll get fleas/Beware of who you’re loving.”
The verses of the song are dark and cryptic. Grimes sings about feeling trapped and helpless in a toxic relationship. She laments that even if she tries to leave, her pursuer will always find her: “I heard that you’re looking for a soulmate/All you gotta do is wait/Because I know you’re out there.”
As the song progresses, the energy builds. The chorus repeats and becomes more intense each time. Grimes’ vocals become distorted and almost robotic as she sings, “You’ve got a dark side, can’t deny it/You’ve got a heartache, resurrected/You’ve got a fire, it’s electric.”
The song ends with a final chorus where Grimes’ vocals are mixed with fast and glitchy beats. The song fades out with the lingering echoes of her voice as she repeats the line “Beware of who you’re loving.”
The Theme of Toxic Relationships
Like many of Grimes’ songs, “Violence” explores the theme of toxic relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is stuck in a cycle of attraction and repulsion. She knows that the person she’s involved with is bad for her, but she can’t help being drawn to them. At the same time, she’s aware that the person will hurt her and wants to warn others not to make the same mistake.
During an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Grimes spoke about the inspiration behind the song. She explained that she wrote the song after reading some of the works of philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. She related to Beauvoir’s ideas about power and how it can be used in relationships. Grimes said, “I think that relationships are just power struggles and there’s always going to be manipulation involved to some degree.”
Grimes’ Artistic Vision and Political Views
Grimes is known for blending genres and experimenting with her sound. Her music is often described as a mix of pop, electronic, and experimental. She’s also known for incorporating science fiction and cyberpunk themes into her work. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she explained her artistic vision: “I want to make a tangible world that people can feel a part of.”
Grimes is also known for her political views. She’s been vocal about her support for left-wing causes and her opposition to capitalism. In a 2018 interview with NME, she said, “I think we should be moving towards a post-work, post-scarcity society where nobody has to work to survive.” This has led to some controversy among her fans, as some feel that she’s too idealistic and disconnected from reality.
FAQs
1. Who produced “Violence”?
“Violence” was produced by i_o, an up-and-coming producer who specializes in techno and progressive house.
2. What other songs has Grimes released?
Grimes has released four studio albums: “Geidi Primes” (2010), “Halfaxa” (2010), “Visions” (2012), and “Art Angels” (2015). She’s also released a number of singles and collaborated with other artists.
3. What is “cyberpunk”?
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on high-tech and low-life scenarios. It often features futuristic settings, advanced technology, and a gritty atmosphere.
4. What is Grimes’ background?
Grimes was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1988. She began making music while studying at McGill University in Montreal. She’s now based in Los Angeles and has become a prominent figure in the music industry.
5. What has Grimes said about her political beliefs?
Grimes has been vocal about her opposition to capitalism and her support for left-wing causes. She’s also expressed her belief in a post-scarcity society where people wouldn’t have to work to survive.
6. How has “Violence” been received?
“Violence” has received mostly positive reviews from critics, who have praised Grimes’ unique sound and energy. Some have called it a return to form for the artist, who hadn’t released new music in several years.
7. How does “Violence” compare to Grimes’ other work?
“Violence” is in line with Grimes’ signature sound of blending genres and experimenting with her sound. It’s darker and more intense than some of her other work, but it fits into her overall artistic vision.
8. What has Grimes said about Simone de Beauvoir?
Grimes has cited Simone de Beauvoir as an inspiration for “Violence,” specifically her ideas about power in relationships. She has also referenced other philosophers and thinkers in her work.
9. How does “Violence” relate to the theme of toxic relationships?
The lyrics of “Violence” describe a person who is trapped in a toxic relationship and can’t help being drawn to someone who will hurt them. Grimes uses the song to explore the power dynamics of relationships and how they can be harmful.
10. What are some of Grimes’ other themes and influences?
Grimes is known for her blend of pop, electronic, and experimental music, as well as her use of science fiction and cyberpunk themes. She’s also cited the works of philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Gilles Deleuze as influences on her work.
11. What has Grimes said about her artistic vision?
Grimes has said that she wants to create a tangible world where people can feel a part of something. She combines her music with visual art and fashion to create a unique aesthetic that is all her own.
12. What is Grimes’ role in the music industry?
Grimes is a prominent figure in the music industry and is known for her unique sound and style. She’s been nominated for Grammy Awards and has collaborated with other artists like Elon Musk, Janelle Monáe, and Bring Me the Horizon. She’s also been vocal about her political beliefs and is a passionate advocate for left-wing causes.
