Daria

Cake's song 'Daria' is a poignant exploration of emotional resistance and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is unwilling or unable to be comforted or soothed by their partner, Daria. This resistance is evident from the very beginning, where attempts at intimacy and connection are met with rejection and detachment. The biting of the tongue and the coming undone symbolize a deeper emotional turmoil and a refusal to conform to the expectations of love and affection.

The chorus, with its repeated assertion that 'I won't be soothed,' emphasizes the protagonist's steadfastness in their emotional state. The use of metaphors like 'smooth over like milk, silk, a bedspread or a quilt, icing on a cake, or a serene translucent lake' contrasts the idea of comfort and tranquility with the protagonist's inner turmoil. These images of smoothness and calmness highlight what the protagonist is rejecting, underscoring their emotional dissonance and resistance to being pacified.

The second verse delves deeper into the protagonist's psyche, revealing a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of life. The imagery of cleaning oil from beaches and seeing only what was bad suggests a preoccupation with the darker side of existence, further explaining their inability to be soothed. The act of shutting their mouth when being fed and the subsequent mess it creates symbolizes a rejection of nurturing and care, reinforcing the theme of emotional resistance. Cake's 'Daria' is a compelling narrative of a person grappling with their inner demons and the struggle to accept love and comfort from others.