Tempest

Ethel Cain's "Tempest" is a haunting exploration of loneliness, self-destruction, and the yearning for connection. The song opens with a sense of urgency and missed opportunities, as the imagery of trains and flowers suggests a fleeting chance that has already passed. This sets the stage for a narrative steeped in emotional turmoil, where the protagonist grapples with self-harm and the desperate hope that someone might care enough to notice their pain. The lyrics "I'll hurt myself if I want, I don’t care" reflect a profound sense of apathy and resignation, highlighting the internal struggle between self-preservation and self-destruction.

The song delves deeper into themes of youth and naivety, with the plea "Please, just go easy on me, I am young and naïve" underscoring a vulnerability and lack of direction. The protagonist acknowledges their inability to fulfill the needs of others, as well as their own, with the line "I can lead you to bed, but I can’t make you sleep." This metaphor suggests a disconnect between physical presence and emotional fulfillment, a recurring theme throughout the song. The recurring dreams of violence and the metaphorical "chain link on your lungs" and "sulfuric acid in my brain" paint a vivid picture of mental anguish and the suffocating weight of despair.

The refrain "Always on my own" and the repeated plea "Someone take me home" emphasize the protagonist's isolation and longing for a sense of belonging. The song's conclusion, with its repetition of "Forever," suggests an endless cycle of pain and regret, as the protagonist remains trapped in their own darkness. Ethel Cain's "Tempest" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of mental health, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the universal desire for connection and understanding in a world that often feels indifferent.