Meaning of "Taste Of Blood" by Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star's "Taste of Blood" delves into the darker aspects of desire, fear, and deception, using the metaphorical imagery of blood and wine. The opening lines, "Red oh red/The taste of blood/On lips of wine," immediately set the tone of the song, suggesting a forbidden or dangerous allure. The color red, often associated with passion and intensity, symbolizes both desire and bloodshed. By associating the taste of blood with the lips of wine, the lyrics introduce a complex juxtaposition of pleasure and danger.

The repetition of the phrase "red oh red" throughout the song serves to intensify the emotional impact and emphasize the significance of the color in the context of the narrative. The lyrics further explore the theme of deception, implied by the lines "What are you looking for/The taste of red/The taste of fear/From your seemingly convincing smile." Here, the protagonist is questioning someone's motivations and the sincerity of their smile. The taste of red is not only the taste of blood but also the taste of fear, suggesting that the allure presented by this person is deceptive and potentially dangerous.

The repeated line "The time is waiting" conveys a sense of anticipation, as though something is on the verge of happening. It adds to the tension and suspense in the song, reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle between temptation and caution. The lyrics "Maybe takes away from your demise/From your demise" suggest that giving in to this allure could lead to negative consequences or even downfall.

The final lines of the song - "Say you're slippin'/Maybe so/It's not easy/Now you know" - convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of the complexities and difficulties of succumbing to forbidden desires. The speaker acknowledges that falling into temptation is not an easy path to navigate, hinting at the anxieties and uncertainties that come with pursuing something forbidden.

Overall, "Taste of Blood" explores the allure of the forbidden and the dangers that come with desires that defy societal norms. The lyrics use vivid imagery, repetition, and juxtaposition to create a sense of tension, mystery, and passion, revealing the complex emotions involved in succumbing to temptation.