Meaning of "Antisaint" by Chevelle

The lyrics of "Antisaint" delve into the internal struggle of the protagonist, who appears to be grappling with their own moral shortcomings and deceptive nature. The song begins with an invitation to revisit a metaphorical white elephant – an expression referring to something large and burdensome, perhaps representing the protagonist's past mistakes or inner demons. The question of who sent this burden to loom suggests a sense of supernatural or external influence.

The lyrics then go on to contemplate severing everything and pondering why. This reflects a desire to break free from the cycle of deceit and self-deception, questioning the motivations behind their actions. The protagonist acknowledges that they are starting to follow the crows, a symbol often associated with death or darkness, and climbing a ladder somewhere out. This imagery suggests a descent into darker emotions and thoughts.

The protagonist then expresses a desire to scare and plot, implying a potential plan or agenda to expose the truth and face the consequences of their actions. The mention of combing the grounds with a fine tooth suggests a thorough search for truth and self-revelation.

The chorus, "You poor little antisaint," highlights a sense of pity and self-awareness. The protagonist recognizes their own flaws and struggles, acknowledging that they are both an "anti" and a "saint." This suggests a conflict between their intrinsic nature and their desire to do good.

The lyrics then explore the theme of assurance, perhaps referring to the need for reassurance or validation. Holding the lion until it's fed may symbolize the need to maintain control or suppress one's true nature until the desired outcome is achieved. The mention of the fly surfacing in the morning suggests that secrets or hidden truths are beginning to come to light.

The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the pity and self-awareness of the protagonist. The lines "The stakes are too low, we may not need any" suggest a resignation or apathy towards the consequences of their actions. The protagonist implies that they never feared the outcome and that their deception was their cleverest act.

Overall, "Antisaint" explores the internal struggle of a character wrestling with their own moral shortcomings, self-deception, and the desire for redemption. It delves into themes of self-awareness, the duality of human nature, and the consequences of deceit.