Meaning of "Silvertongue" by Young The Giant

The lyrics of "Silvertongue" convey a sense of manipulation and a desire for control. The speaker describes themselves as having a "silver tongue," which is a metaphor for their ability to charm and manipulate others through their words. They acknowledge the power they hold over others, using their words to drive people into "delirium" and "lose control." However, they also recognize their own addiction to chaos and mischief. The repeated lines "I'm addicted to madness, but what can I say? I'm addicted to badness, but what can I do?" suggest a sense of helplessness and resignation. The speaker seems aware that they are engaging in destructive behavior, but feels unable to break free from it. They are trapped in a cycle of using their words to gain power and control, but also losing control themselves in the process.

The lyrics also hint at a lack of authenticity and genuine connection. The line "Clothes on the floor, but the bed's on the ceiling" suggests a disconnection between physical intimacy and emotional intimacy. The speaker may be engaging in superficial relationships, saying what the other person wants to hear without truly expressing themselves. They admit that talk "only gets in the way," implying that their words are mere distractions from true connection.

Overall, the meaning of "Silvertongue" revolves around the themes of manipulation, addiction, and a disconnection from genuine emotional intimacy. It explores the power dynamics of communication and the consequences of using words to gain control over others. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for something more authentic and meaningful, but the speaker feels trapped by their own destructive tendencies.