Meaning of "Jekyll" by Hiatus Kaiyote

The lyrics of "Jekyll" delve into the complexities of human identity and the struggles that arise from having a dual nature. The reference to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde alludes to the famous character created by Robert Louis Stevenson, who transforms between two personas with opposing qualities. The line "Dr. Jekyll, that mister been buggin' out my Hyde again" suggests that the narrator is experiencing the mental turmoil caused by their own contradictory sides. They refuse to acknowledge or engage with the side of themselves represented by Mr. Hyde, choosing instead to ignore it by not answering the door, metaphorically shutting it out. This refusal to face the darker aspects of oneself can lead to internal conflict and a sense of fraying. The repeated line "I've been grieving old fashioned at the seed, my seam is fraying" reinforces the idea of a broken or conflicted self, emphasizing the emotional distress caused by hiding or repressing certain parts of one's identity.

The following lines "Silk once rushed this thrust has rusted dry, slip your flux right past your fortress, we all are born to die" convey a sense of disillusionment and resignation. They highlight the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of mortality. The image of silk, which represents elegance and grace, now rusted and dry, serves as a metaphor for the deterioration and decay of the self when one neglects to nurture and embrace all aspects of their identity. The line "slip your flux right past your fortress" suggests that the narrator is aware of the fluidity of their own identity but struggles to protect themselves from the consequences of suppressing certain parts of who they are.

The final lines "Lease this here now sweet piece of mind, awake this light, lease this here now sweet peace of mind, always in flight" convey a desire for peace and understanding. The narrator seeks to find harmony and acceptance within their own mind, perhaps by acknowledging and integrating all aspects of their identity. They long for a sense of self-awareness and a release from the constant internal struggle. The phrase "always in flight" suggests a constant state of movement and restlessness, emphasizing the ongoing quest for self-discovery and the need to find balance between different parts of oneself.