Meaning of "Babel" by Massive Attack

"Babel" delves into the complexities and emotions surrounding the end of a romantic relationship. The song centers around the confusion of the narrator, who reflects on the reasons for the breakup. The repetition of the phrase "Say it was your babel, say it was my babel" suggests a shared responsibility for the breakdown of communication and understanding. The line "Tell all people" implies a desire for others to know the truth of what happened, perhaps to seek validation or support.

The lyrics further explore the feelings of loss and betrayal. The mention of the girlfriend who was absent when the narrator needed her highlights a sense of abandonment and isolation. The line "You are on your own" reinforces this sentiment, emphasizing the feeling of being alone in dealing with the aftermath of the relationship. The conflicting emotions of love and hurt are evident as the narrator questions whether their efforts to please their partner ultimately led to the demise of the relationship.

The song also touches on themes of self-reflection and introspection. The line "He was quick to burning, he was slow to learning" suggests a pattern of repeated mistakes. The narrator acknowledges their own flaws and mistakes, but still longs for a deeper connection with their partner. The mention of hallucinating, chasing, changing, and breaking reflects the rollercoaster of emotions experienced during the turbulent relationship. The desire for truth and understanding is expressed through the lyrics "Now you wanna be the one that shoots that truth" and the frustration of feeling disconnected from reality is hinted at with the line "I'm running so far out of my head."

Overall, the lyrics of "Babel" portray the aftermath of a failed relationship, exploring the emotions of confusion, heartbreak, and self-doubt. It delves into the complexities of human connections and the longing for understanding and closure in the face of pain and loss.