Meaning of "Demons" by Against The Current

The lyrics of "Demons" delve into the theme of personal struggles and the battle against one's own inner demons. The opening lines, "I read your veins like lines on a map, But I got no destination," suggest that the narrator has a thorough understanding of the person they are involved with but lacks a clear direction or purpose in the relationship. The reference to "smoke and signals rise from my breath" and "flames are cold and patient" portrays a sense of emotional distance and detachment. The narrator creates a fantasy world of their own imagination, symbolized by the "wonderland", as a way to escape from reality and mask the pain caused by their demons.

The lyrics express the internal conflict the narrator faces as they acknowledge their personal demons holding them back. The demons are represented by "silk chains wrapped around my soul" that tie them down and prevent them from fully committing to the relationship. The line "But demons take control, Like toxins in my soul" highlights the destructive nature of these inner struggles and the impact they have on the narrator's emotional well-being.

Despite recognizing the need to break free from this cycle, the narrator feels powerless against their demons. The repetition of the phrase "I know it seems so obvious that I should put an end to this" emphasizes their awareness of the situation, yet they are unable to take action. The line "I'm pushing through the blood in you, To heal where you've been hurting" reflects the narrator's desire to help the person they care about, but their own emotional numbness prevents them from fully experiencing and addressing their partner's pain.

The lyrics also suggest a sense of hopelessness and frustration. The repetition of the phrase "they're just demons" highlights the narrator's attempt to rationalize and diminish the power of their struggles. However, the line "staring up the road, Sick of the darkness and the cold, The chains are wearing thin" showcases their growing weariness and longing for change. The final lines of the song, "But silk chains are broken now, It seems so obvious that I should put an end to this, But demons take control" convey the ongoing struggle and the difficulty of fully breaking free from the control of their demons.

Overall, "Demons" explores the internal battle between the desire for a fulfilling relationship and the burden of personal demons that can hinder one's ability to fully engage and be present in that relationship.