Meaning of "I Would Hurt a Fly" by Built To Spill
The lyrics of "I Would Hurt a Fly" touch upon various themes and emotions. The constant repetition of not being able to get a certain sound out of the narrator's head suggests a fixation or obsession, possibly with a past event or memory. The inability to figure out the source of the sound indicates a lack of understanding or closure, leaving the narrator mentally unsettled. The line "No one else around even seems to be noticing, it's only small enough for me" suggests a sense of isolation and heightened sensitivity compared to others.
The lyric "It feels like fingernails across the moon, or do you rub your wings together?" is metaphorical, hinting at the haunting and unsettling nature of the sound in question. This could represent a deep emotional pain or conflict within the narrator.
The repetition of the phrase "There's a mean bone in my body" signifies the narrator's awareness of their own capacity for cruelty or harm. This may be connected to unresolved personal problems or past experiences that have hardened the narrator. The refusal to accept these problems as an answer suggests a stubbornness and unwillingness to face or address them. The line "And I won't take that from you because I'd hurt a fly" suggests that the narrator is willing to unleash their tendency for harm onto others, even if it's just as insignificant as hurting a fly. This dark inclination further emphasizes the narrator's inner turmoil and potential for destructive behavior.
The mention of letting someone go to sleep feeling as bad as the narrator implies a desire for revenge or a lingering resentment towards this person. This could be an indication that the narrator's capacity for harm is not limited to flies but extends to people as well.
In essence, "I Would Hurt a Fly" delves into themes of obsession, isolation, inner turmoil, and the potential for harm. It explores the complexities of human emotions and actions, ultimately highlighting the darker aspects of the narrator's psyche.
