Meaning of "Birthmark" by Deftones
The lyrics of "Birthmark" delve into the complex emotions and actions driven by desires, particularly in the context of a romantic connection. The narrator's willingness to meet the person they desire in the wrong places reflects their desperation to be with them regardless of societal norms or personal boundaries. They are willing to bury their own identity, symbolized by the phrase "Bury all, then I would be right with her in whole", suggesting a desire to merge with the other person and be seen as one entity. This desire for merging, to be cherished by two, conveys a sense of longing for both physical and emotional connection.
The line "Drinks won't stain this birth" highlights the destructive aspects of the narrator's desires. They find solace from their inner turmoil by indulging in substance abuse, depicting a means to escape from their own reality. The act of licking the person's picture serves as a desperate attempt to grasp onto some form of connection or intimacy, even if it is only superficial and imagined. The phrase "It makes you fly inside" is repeated multiple times throughout the song, illustrating that these desires provide a temporary sense of transcendence or freedom from the constraints of everyday life.
However, the lyrics also reveal a sense of self-awareness and guilt. The repeated use of the phrase "In spite I'll still lie" suggests an acknowledgment of the narrator's tendency to deceive and manipulate in order to satisfy their desires. This internal conflict between their longing for connection and their awareness of the destructive consequences reflects a deeper struggle within the narrator's psyche.
Overall, "Birthmark" explores themes of desire, obsession, and the complexities of human connection. It delves into the lengths one may go to fulfill their cravings and the internal battle between self-awareness and the pursuit of immediate gratification.