Meaning of "Metabolic" by Slipknot

"Metabolic" explores themes of emotional pain, betrayal, and psychological manipulation. The lyrics suggest a deep sense of anger and resentment towards someone who has let the protagonist down and made their life unbearable. The opening lines reveal the protagonist's frustration at witnessing the destruction of a promise that held great importance to them. There is a sense of desperation as they feel suppressed and overwhelmed by their pain, lashing out and claiming the right to hate the person who has caused it.

The lyrics also touch on the protagonist's struggle with their own identity and self-worth. They express a longing to be someone else, to escape the pain and be the person they perceive as perfect. This desire is juxtaposed with a realization that they have become a mockery, taking a life worth living and reducing it to something meaningless. The repetition of the phrase "I fold, but they keep on coming!" suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to escape the torment that the person has inflicted upon them.

The chorus lines, "Stop, I'm always ready to die but you're killing me!" convey a desperate plea to end the suffering. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of self-destruction, feeling constantly on the brink of giving up, yet unable to break free. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the intensity of their pain and their yearning for it to end. The lyrics also question the nature of the relationship between the protagonist and the person causing their torment. The lines "Who are you to me? Who am I to you?" suggest a complex, possibly toxic, dynamic that has left the protagonist feeling isolated and abandoned.

The final lines of the lyrics delve into more disturbing themes. The protagonist mentions blurring their eyes and seeing the world breathe, possibly suggesting a dissociative state or a distorted perception of reality. They express a desire to mutilate the person who has caused their suffering, demonstrating a deep anger and a loss of control over their own impulses. The reference to dressing in the person's insecurities can be seen as a desire to understand and possess their vulnerabilities, further highlighting the toxic and destructive nature of their relationship.

Overall, "Metabolic" delves into the darkness of emotional pain, betrayal, and psychological manipulation. It portrays a protagonist who is trapped in a cycle of torment and seeks an escape from their suffering but finds themselves continuously pulled back into the turmoil.