Insane

The White Buffalo's song 'Insane' delves deep into the harrowing experience of mental illness, capturing the torment and confusion that accompany a deteriorating mind. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person lying awake, haunted by voices that seem to come from beyond the grave. These 'angry voices of the dead' symbolize the intrusive and distressing thoughts that plague the protagonist, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and delusion.

The song's narrative takes a dark turn as it recounts the fate of 'ol' John,' who was taken away by men in white coats and given a straitjacket. This imagery is a stark representation of the fear and stigma associated with mental health treatment. The protagonist's fear of suffering the same fate is palpable, as they grapple with the possibility of losing their sanity. The repeated mention of 'cold eyes' and the swelling of the brain underscores the physical and emotional toll of this mental anguish.

The chorus, with its haunting refrain of 'Cold eyes, makin' me think that I'm goin' insane,' encapsulates the protagonist's struggle to maintain a grip on reality. The ambiguity of whether the voices are 'evil' or 'from the lord' adds a layer of existential dread, questioning the nature of their torment. Ultimately, the protagonist's fear of death and the unknown is a powerful theme, as they express a desperate desire to avoid joining the 'living dead.' The song's raw and evocative lyrics, combined with The White Buffalo's emotive delivery, create a poignant exploration of the fragility of the human mind and the terror of losing oneself to madness.