Blame

Bastille's song 'Blame' delves into the dark and complex themes of guilt, power, and control. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the consequences of their actions, as well as the external pressures and judgments they face. The opening lines, 'You go sleep with the fishes / There’s no room for you here,' suggest a sense of finality and exclusion, possibly hinting at betrayal or a severe falling out. The imagery of 'wrapping teeth around the pavement' and sending regards to hell further emphasizes the harsh and unforgiving nature of the situation.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'fall upon your knees' and 'crawl and beg and plead,' underscores the desperation and helplessness felt by the protagonist. The lines 'this is my body and soul here' and 'you’ve got the power and control here' highlight a struggle for autonomy and the feeling of being dominated by another's will. The repeated refrain 'don’t pin it all on me' suggests a refusal to accept full responsibility for the situation, indicating a shared blame or a sense of being unfairly targeted.

The song's bridge, with its haunting repetition of 'blame, blame, blame,' reinforces the central theme of guilt and the burden it places on the individual. The line 'I got you, I got you' can be interpreted as a sinister reassurance, possibly from the person exerting control or from the protagonist's own inner turmoil. Bastille's use of powerful and evocative language, combined with the intense and brooding musical arrangement, creates a compelling narrative about the complexities of human relationships and the heavy weight of blame and responsibility.