Meaning of "Shadow Preachers" by Zella Day

In "Shadow Preachers," Zella Day explores the complexities of a troubled relationship. The use of scissors as a symbol in the opening lines suggests a destructive and cutting nature within the relationship. The narrator acknowledges that if they stop trying to hold the relationship together, it will crumble. They question who their partner is fighting against, perhaps hinting at internal struggles that are affecting the relationship. The following lines convey the narrator's conflicting emotions and desires. They are consumed by a mix of love, hate, and longing for this person, and they want to experience every aspect of them, both the good and the bad. The repetition of "You make me wanna" emphasizes the intensity of these feelings. However, the narrator becomes aware of the toxic nature of the relationship, closing their eyes to the reality and hoping for a change. The mention of being "unsettled nighttime creatures" implies a shared feeling of uneasiness and darkness between the two. Despite the pain caused by their partner's actions, the narrator still feels an undeniable connection and desire to understand and be a part of their partner's life. The repeated line "You wanna break, you break alone. You wanna leave, you're on your own" suggests that their partner is unwilling to face their struggles together, leaving the narrator feeling abandoned and alone. Yet, even in the face of this abandonment, the narrator's emotions persist. They are torn between wanting to hold on and wanting to let go, wanting to love and understand this person but also feeling the need to scream and burn with frustration. The lyrics ultimately bring attention to the complexities of love and the struggle of balancing one's own desires and needs with the challenges and pain of a troubled relationship.