Crystal Wrists

Peter Murphy's 'Crystal Wrists' delves into the depths of personal struggle, self-loathing, and the quest for redemption. The song opens with a sense of despair and disorientation, as the narrator feels lost and disgusted with their current state. The imagery of a 'howling wind' changing the narrator's course suggests an external force disrupting their life, pushing them into a state of confusion and pain. The 'walls that bound me' symbolize the constraints and limitations the narrator feels, both internally and externally, contributing to their bleak outlook.

As the song progresses, the narrator's internal battle becomes more evident. The act of chewing their cheeks to wake up signifies a desperate attempt to snap out of their mental fog. The growing vase and towering wall represent the increasing magnitude of their problems and the looming sense of doom. The narrator's disgust with themselves is palpable, as they reflect on their worst moments and the misunderstandings with others. The mention of 'crooked hands' and 'fiction' highlights the deceit and falsehoods that have contributed to their current state.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator begins to confront their demons. The reference to 'young girls fangs and crystal wrists' waiting for the narrator to 'twist' suggests a temptation or challenge they must face. The imagery of distant rains, waterfalls, and honey days offers a glimpse of hope and beauty, contrasting with the earlier darkness. The narrator's act of spitting at Beelzebub, a symbol of evil, signifies their rejection of negativity and their commitment to embracing love and patience. Ultimately, the song is a journey of self-acceptance and the struggle to overcome one's sins and flaws, with the narrator striving to cast them away and find peace.