Meaning of "Ricochet" by Faith No More

The lyrics of "Ricochet" delve into the theme of emotional pain, the thin line between humor and cruelty, and the absurdity of human interactions. The song suggests that being constantly hurt and laughed at by someone can have a detrimental effect on a person's emotional state. The repetition of phrases like "It's always funny until someone gets hurt and then it's just hilarious" emphasizes the contrast between what is perceived as funny and the true impact of pain on an individual.

The lyrics also touch on the concept of time, particularly the idea that time spent away from the person causing the pain accentuates the feelings and makes the narrator feel "thick and drunk." Time is portrayed as a source of both healing and exacerbation, as the narrator acknowledges that being away from the person has made them thicker (possibly emotionally numb or desensitized) but also drunk (possibly inebriated with negative thoughts or emotions).

The song highlights the power dynamics within relationships, with the narrator feeling constantly beaten down by the person they are addressing. The line "You beat me every time you blink" implies a constant state of vulnerability and suggests that the other person has the power to inflict emotional harm with minimal effort. This power dynamic is further emphasized by the line "I'd rather be shot in the face than hear what you're going to say," expressing the extremity of the pain caused by the person's words.

The reference to the wind coming up and the person coming up empty again adds an element of anticipation and eventual disappointment. It implies a cycle of hurt where the person inflicting pain will always end up empty-handed. The line "So play the violins" can be seen as sarcastic, suggesting that while there may be no reason or explanation for the emotional pain, it is still worthy of mockery or dramatic representation.

Ultimately, "Ricochet" conveys a sense of frustration, helplessness, and the absurdity of the human experience. The lyrics illustrate the dark irony of when humor turns into cruelty and how pain can linger even in the face of laughter.