The Meaning Behind The Song: Colossus by IDLES
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colossus | IDLES | Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, Jon Beavis, Adam Devonshire & Joe Talbot | Joy as an Act of Resistance | May 29, 2018 | Post-Punk | Paul Frazer |
“Colossus” is the first single from the second album, “Joy as an Act of Resistance”, by the Bristol post-punk band IDLES. Released in 2018, this song has been praised for its powerful sound and thought-provoking lyrics. As a fan of IDLES and someone who resonates deeply with their music, I find “Colossus” to be a particularly impactful song.
The opening lyrics set a dark and introspective tone, as the singer describes being “done in on the weekend” and how it felt like the weekend lasted “twenty years”. This imagery evokes a sense of exhaustion and being trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior. The line “The world’s best bulimic bartend, Tender, violent, and queer” speaks to the complexities of the singer’s identity and the struggles they face.
In the refrain, the lyrics take a confessional turn as the protagonist asks for forgiveness for their sins and expresses a feeling of being filled with pins. This metaphorical imagery could represent the emotional pain and internal turmoil they experience. The repetition of the chorus “Goes and it goes and it goes” emphasizes the cyclical nature of their struggles and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending loop.
The pre-chorus reveals the impact of societal judgment on the singer. They share how people laugh at them when they run and how they waste away for fun. The line “I am my father’s son, His shadow weighs a tonne” speaks to the weight of familial expectations and the struggle to break free from them.
The second part of the song introduces a different perspective and showcases the band’s unique songwriting style. The lyrics mention various figures, from Stone Cold Steve Austin to Fred Astaire, each representing a different aspect of the singer’s personality. These references embody the range of emotions and attributes the singer possesses, from strength and defiance to vulnerability and resilience.
Personally, “Colossus” resonates with me on a deep level. The song’s raw energy and emotional honesty capture the complexities of the human experience. The lyrics speak to the struggles many of us face in breaking free from societal expectations and finding our true selves. It reminds me of moments in my own life where I have felt trapped or suffocated by circumstances and the absurdity of it all.
Overall, “Colossus” by IDLES is a powerful and introspective song that delves into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and personal struggles. Through its thought-provoking lyrics and intense sound, the song offers a cathartic experience for both the band and the listener. It serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and the ongoing journey towards personal freedom.
