The Angel And The Fool

Broken Bells' song "The Angel and the Fool" delves into the emotional landscape of a woman grappling with inner turmoil and societal pressures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is metaphorically balancing the weight of a pill on her tongue, symbolizing the heavy burden of her struggles. The imagery of her looking cold and lonely suggests a deep sense of isolation and despair, despite the narrator's inability to fully understand the reasons behind her pain.

The song's title, "The Angel and the Fool," juxtaposes two archetypes that could represent different facets of the woman's personality or her relationship with the narrator. The angel could symbolize her purity, hope, and potential, while the fool might represent her vulnerability and the mistakes she makes in her quest for meaning and connection. The narrator's determination to not let her give up highlights a theme of resilience and support, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the woman is struggling in a male-dominated world that continually undermines her dreams and plans. Despite giving all her love, she cannot allow herself to dream, indicating a profound sense of hopelessness. The repeated refrain of "You're rolling now, keep rolling" serves as a mantra of perseverance, urging her to keep moving forward despite the challenges. The early morning siren growing louder symbolizes the harsh reality of waking up to a world that feels empty and unwelcoming, emphasizing the difficulty of facing each new day alone.