Something Rotten

Placebo's song 'Something Rotten' delves into themes of loss, decay, and the struggle to forget painful memories. The repeated phrase 'I miss you something rotten' suggests a deep, almost visceral sense of longing and regret. The use of the word 'rotten' conveys a sense of decay and corruption, indicating that the memories and emotions associated with the person being missed are not just painful but also tainted and decomposing over time.

The lyrics 'Down here, down here, it's clear that your uncut' and 'Don't fear, keep all this forgotten' suggest a descent into a darker, more primal state of being. The repetition of 'down here' emphasizes a feeling of being trapped or submerged in a place where the past is supposed to be forgotten but instead festers. The imagery of being 'face down' further reinforces a sense of defeat and submission to these overwhelming emotions.

The line 'this crown is broken rotten' can be interpreted as a metaphor for lost power or dignity. A crown typically symbolizes authority and respect, and its state of being 'broken rotten' suggests that whatever sense of control or self-worth the narrator once had has been eroded by the passage of time and the weight of unresolved feelings. The song's haunting repetition and dark imagery create a powerful narrative about the inescapable nature of certain memories and the emotional decay that accompanies them.