Every Other Freckle

Alt-J's 'Every Other Freckle' is a vivid and sensual exploration of intimacy and desire. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery that convey a deep yearning to be intertwined with another person on every possible level. The song opens with the line, 'I want to share your mouthful,' immediately setting a tone of closeness and shared experience. This desire to merge with the other person is further emphasized with lines like 'I want to do all the things your lungs do so well,' suggesting a wish to be as essential and life-sustaining as breath itself.

The recurring cat imagery throughout the song adds a layer of playful yet intense affection. Phrases like 'I'm gonna bed into you like a cat beds into a bean bag' and 'I'm gonna paw, paw at you like a cat paws at my woolen jumper' evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, as well as a primal, almost animalistic need for closeness. The comparison to a cat, an animal known for its independence yet affectionate nature, underscores the complexity of the relationship being described.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'Devour me,' encapsulates the song's central theme of consuming love. This isn't just about physical desire; it's about wanting to be completely absorbed by the other person, to the point where individual boundaries blur. The line 'I want every other freckle' is particularly telling, as it signifies a desire to know and love every small, unique detail of the other person. Alt-J's use of vivid, almost tactile language makes 'Every Other Freckle' a compelling ode to the all-encompassing nature of true intimacy.