Meaning of "Shield For Your Eyes, A Beast In The Well On Your Hand" by Melt-Banana

The lyrics of "Shield For Your Eyes, A Beast In The Well On Your Hand" by Melt-Banana convey a sense of urgency and chaos, leading the listener on a journey filled with vivid imagery and cryptic metaphors. The opening lines, "Catch the man beast in the well in the hell on the back," create an atmosphere of danger, as if the listener is about to confront a menacing force. This imagery of the "man beast" trapped in a well represents a deep-rooted threat that could potentially rise to the surface and wreak havoc. It suggests that danger may lurk in unexpected places and that one must always be vigilant.

The lyrics continue to emphasize the need for protection, with the repeated refrain of "Watch out! You've got no shield." This serves as a constant reminder that the world can be a hostile and unpredictable place. The idea of shooting the first head and hand ties into the theme of self-defense, urging the listener to take action and fight back against whatever challenges they may encounter. The references to pressing "Greed," "Blood," and "Risk" further highlight the importance of being prepared to face the consequences of one's actions and taking calculated risks.

Amidst the chaos and urgency, there is a sense of longing for something new and exciting. The line "I can get so..." followed by a list of different types of eyes (liquid, sticky, tricky, flashy) suggests a desire for experiences that deviate from the norm. The lyrics pose the question of how to fake and make multiple versions of oneself, implying a desire for reinvention or the ability to adapt in different situations. The mention of a "new toy" falling in 50 parts signifies the potential for growth and transformation, but also warns of the dangers of fragmentation and losing a sense of identity.

Ultimately, the song conveys a message of resilience and the need to rise above adversity. The line "your pure cell can't spark" suggests that in order to thrive, one must break free from conformity and embrace their individuality. It serves as a call to action, urging the listener to take that "one step more" in order to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.