Ruby

Summer Soul's song "Ruby" is a haunting exploration of love, obsession, and the thin line between passion and madness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that has taken a dark turn, with the narrator expressing a mix of longing and menace. The opening lines suggest a playful yet intense connection, where the narrator desires more than just physical intimacy, yearning for the "naked heart" of their partner. This desire is juxtaposed with a chilling metaphor of consuming their partner, hinting at a deeper, perhaps destructive, obsession.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more sinister. The repeated refrain about playing "hide and seek" and the ominous warning to "run and get a knife" suggest a dangerous game, blurring the lines between love and violence. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil and unpredictability in a toxic relationship, where the thrill of the chase is intertwined with fear and danger. The mention of "Body with no face" in the breaking news adds a layer of mystery and horror, suggesting the ultimate erasure of identity in the narrator's world.

The song also touches on themes of recognition and identity, with the narrator reflecting on how they are perceived by others. The line "They might call me psychopath" acknowledges the narrator's awareness of their own instability, yet they embrace it as part of their identity. This self-awareness, coupled with the assertion that the "world becomes better now as you are nobody," suggests a twisted sense of empowerment derived from the dissolution of the relationship. "Ruby" is a complex narrative that delves into the darker aspects of love, where the boundaries between affection and obsession are dangerously blurred.