The speaker in the song "Rattlesnake" strips down in the desert, feeling isolated and questioning their existence. As they walk through the sand, they hear rattlesnakes and feel as though they are not alone. Despite the fear, they continuously run and sweat, trying to escape the feeling of being followed.

Meaning of "Rattlesnake" by St. Vincent

"Rattlesnake" by St. Vincent delves into the themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown. The speaker's decision to strip naked in the desert symbolizes vulnerability and shedding societal constraints, only to realize they are not truly alone in the vast world they inhabit. The presence of rattlesnakes represents danger and the unpredictability of life, as the speaker is constantly running and sweating, trying to escape from the feeling of being followed. This could reflect the underlying anxieties and fears that we all face in life, where despite our attempts to distance ourselves from danger, it still lingers behind us. The song explores the idea of solitude, fear, and the struggle to find a sense of security in a world that can be both beautiful and menacing.