Meaning of "Swollen and Halo" by Baroness

The lyrics of "Swollen and Halo" by Baroness convey a complex mix of images and emotions that seem to speak to themes of power, sacrifice, and identity. The mention of steel sleeping the eye and kings lying swollen and halo'd implies a sense of hidden strength and authority that can be both revered and corrupted. The imagery of burying gold beneath one's hide and swallowing breath with blood suggests a blending of material wealth and mortality, perhaps hinting at the idea of sacrificing one's physical well-being for worldly gains. The references to pole, anchor, stone, mitre, God, beast, and various everyday elements like wine, piss, bread, fish, and man blur the lines between the sacred and the profane, suggesting a complex interplay between spirituality and humanity. The exploration of polar extremes, from virgin ground that stains to wandering through a dusty polestar, evokes a sense of duality and transformation, with the speaker's crown becoming breath and blood signifying a merging of life and power. Overall, the lyrics of "Swollen and Halo" seem to delve into the inner conflicts and contradictions that shape human existence, highlighting the tension between different aspects of the self and the world.