Meaning of "Beware" by Deftones

The lyrics of "Beware" can be interpreted in several ways, but one prevalent interpretation is the metaphorical representation of toxic relationships or situations. The repetitive phrase "Do you like the way the water tastes? It's like gunfire" seems to allude to the deceptive nature of something that appears innocuous but can cause great harm. The mention of water tasting like gunfire implies that it is a dangerous substance. This can be seen as a warning about entering or staying in toxic relationships, where things might seem fine on the surface, but beneath lies emotional turmoil and pain. The repetition of "Beware the water" emphasizes the need for caution and attentiveness before fully diving into any situation.

The lyrics also touch on the concept of ignorance and the consequences that come with it. Lines like "At least pretend, you did know, why? It's not like you were warned" suggest that the person being addressed in the song is willingly ignorant or choosing to ignore the red flags. This ignorance leads to them unknowingly succumbing to the dangers they were warned about. The line "Take a drink, release" can be seen as a symbol for willingly embracing or giving in to the harmful situation, almost as if the person is seeking some sort of escape or release.

The repetition of "Do you like the way the water tastes?" serves as a provocative question, challenging the listener to reflect on their own experiences and choices. It prompts introspection about whether they have knowingly or unknowingly entered similar situations and why they might continue to do so.

In essence, "Beware" warns against blindly accepting or embracing something without considering the potential consequences. It serves as a reminder to be cautious, observant, and discerning in our interactions and choices.