Meaning of "Hate Music" by Owl John

The lyrics of "Hate Music" by Owl John delve into the themes of paranoia, betrayal, and the struggle with inner demons. The speaker expresses a feeling of being haunted by someone or something, always lurking close by and causing fear and anxiety. The dual nature of the figure, described as both a friend and an enemy, suggests a sense of internal conflict or a sense of betrayal from someone trusted. The lines about a "rock-broken back" and a "half-eaten shrub of a man" paint a vivid picture of danger and decay, hinting at the destructive forces at play in the speaker's life. The repeated plea to "please stop the rock" can be seen as a desperate cry for the threatening presence to cease its torment, allowing the speaker to find peace and escape from the darkness surrounding them.