Kickin' Back on the Surface of Your Cheek album art

Kickin' Back on the Surface of Your Cheek

by Enter Shikari

Summary

This song dives deep into a surreal experience of being lost in someone else’s world. It mixes vivid imagery with a sense of freedom and exploration, but also hints at darker themes of control and confinement.

Full Analysis

The overall theme of "Kickin' Back on the Surface of Your Cheek" seems to explore the complexities of existence and connection. It starts off with a sense of wonder and beauty in the surroundings, but then shifts to a more intense and chaotic vibe. The song captures the feeling of being both free and trapped, suggesting that while we might enjoy the view, there are deeper, darker elements lurking beneath the surface.

Verse 1

Deck chairs out lads, here's the spot
A spanking panoramic view
The soil here is silk
The air is turning dead!

In this first verse, the imagery is vibrant and inviting. The mention of "deck chairs" and a "panoramic view" creates a relaxed atmosphere, almost like a perfect day at the beach. But then it takes a dark turn with "the air is turning dead," hinting that all is not as it seems. This contrast sets the tone for the song, suggesting a beautiful facade that hides something unsettling underneath.

Chorus

Whose lungs shall I fill
With my glorious vapours?
Whose lungs shall I fill
With my glory?

The chorus has a powerful, almost aggressive energy. The lines suggest a desire to dominate or influence others with one's essence or creativity. It feels like the speaker is eager to share their vitality but also hints at a sense of possession over others. This duality speaks to the complexities of relationships, wanting to connect while also seeking control.

Verse 2

Breathe in
Breathe out
Stand tall
Stand proud

This verse shifts to a more motivational vibe. The repeated phrases “Breathe in” and “Breathe out” act like a mantra, encouraging a sense of grounding and empowerment. It’s about embracing life and being confident in oneself. However, this uplifting message contrasts with the darker undertones from earlier, creating a tension between self-affirmation and the underlying chaos.

Chorus

Take in all you see
You begin to register cliffs as teeth
Take in all you see

The chorus here is intriguing, as it prompts the listener to really observe their surroundings. The line about “cliffs as teeth” suggests a more menacing view of the world. It’s like a warning that what looks beautiful can also be dangerous. This reinforces the theme of perception and how our interpretations can shift dramatically based on our experiences.

Bridge

The fucking penny drops
I've been kicking back on the surface
Of your cheek all along
I'm gonna dive right in your mouth
And cut off your tongue
And hide there forever

In the bridge, there's a raw intensity. The phrase "the penny drops" indicates a sudden realization, which feels crucial. The imagery of kicking back on someone’s cheek is playful at first but quickly turns dark with the idea of cutting off a tongue and hiding. This reveals the struggle between intimacy and fear, suggesting that the desire to connect can lead to a desire to control or silence the other person.

Chorus

Breathe in
Breathe out
Stand tall
Stand proud

Repeating this line brings back that grounding energy. It feels like a reminder to not lose sight of oneself amidst all the chaos. The repetition emphasizes the need to stay centered and strong, even when faced with the darker aspects of relationships and existence.

Outro

Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
It's time to live

The outro carries a sense of liberation and urgency. The repetition of “It’s time to live” feels like a call to action, pushing the listener to break free from whatever’s holding them back. It suggests a shift from contemplation to action, inviting everyone to embrace life fully. This can be seen as a hopeful conclusion, despite the earlier darker themes.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "Kickin' Back on the Surface of Your Cheek" is a layered song that captures the beauty and chaos of connection. It plays with imagery that’s both vivid and unsettling, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities of relationships. The song encourages us to embrace life while also reminding us of the darker realities that often accompany it.

Full Lyrics

Deck chairs out lads, here's the spot
A spanking panoramic view
The soil here is silk
The air is turning dead!

Whose lungs shall I fill
With my glorious vapours?
Whose lungs shall I fill
With my glory?

Breathe in
Breathe out
Stand tall
Stand proud

Take in all you see
You begin to register cliffs as teeth
Take in all you see

The fucking penny drops
I've been kicking back on the surface
Of your cheek all along
I'm gonna dive right in your mouth
And cut off your tongue
And hide there forever

Breathe in
Breathe out
Stand tall
Stand proud

Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
Take to the skies
It's time to live
More by Enter Shikari
Comments
Loading comments...
Articles