top of page

IDLES Roy Meaning and Review

Updated: Mar 19

Idles Roy Meaning and Review


"Roy" – A Cathartic Clash of Vulnerability and Fury

"Roy" stands out on Tangk as a thrilling display of IDLES' ability to layer sonic chaos over deep-seated introspection and vulnerability.


Idles Roy Review

Tension from the Start

The song begins deceptively. Rolling drums and sparse, twangy guitar create palpable tension akin to a Western movie showdown. Talbot's early lyrics pose a haunting challenge ("Will you kneel?") reflecting a desperation for both validation and escape. He paints stark images of self-destructive impulses.



A Conflicted Inner Voice

The repeated verse takes on an increasingly confrontational tone, yet an unanticipated joyful instrumental shift occurs. This jarring juxtaposition highlights a profound inner conflict. An almost triumphant confidence asserts itself, yet Talbot still seeks external confirmation – if the speaker does these destructive things, then will someone finally believe and see them?


Unleashing The Fury

As the song crashes into its explosive chorus, IDLES unleash their signature fury. "Baby, baby, baby" turns from a term of endearment into a battle cry. Here, a poignant line shines through: "I'm a smart man / But I'm dumb for you." This unveils vulnerability beneath the aggression, hinting at the complexities of toxic relationships.

The second chorus doubles down on defiance, railing against societal forces while expressing raw resilience. However, Talbot's raw intensity suggests underlying emotional distress.


Listen to IDLES Roy




"Roy": A Masterful Portrait of Internal Turmoil

"Roy" concludes with a chaotic climax, showcasing Talbot's guttural roars at full force. The song masterfully weaves a portrait of someone on the verge of cracking, desperately hoping someone will notice, yet fully aware of the destructive consequences of their rage.


IDLES Roy Lyrics Meaning

What is the meaning of IDLES' song "Roy". Roy explores a turbulent relationship fraught with power struggles, desperation, and ultimately, self-destructive tendencies. Let's dive into the meaning behind the lyrics.


Themes of Power and Control

The lyrics of Roy center around a series of escalating threats: "If I choke out the sun...will you breathe?" This indicates a desperate effort to gain control and make someone take notice. The recurring question "Will you kneel?" emphasizes the speaker's desire for dominance and submission within the relationship.


Vulnerability and Obsession

Despite the aggression, cracks of vulnerability reveal the speaker's emotional turmoil. The line "I'm a smart man / But I'm dumb for you" exposes a loss of control and hints at unhealthy obsession. Defiant references to destructive tendencies ("I dance with death") illustrate the depth of their struggle. However, a contradictory mix of endearment and conflict surfaces in the relentless repetition of "baby".



IDLES Roy Lyrics

If I pose enough threat

If I pull on the thread

Will you try?

If I open the tear

With my best stare

Will you buy?

If I smash down the walls

If I ignore your calls

Will you believe?

If I choke out the sun

If I blister the hum

Will you breathe?

Am I almost there

With my death stare?

Will you kneel?

I am baby's breath

I dance with death

Will you kneel?

I'm sorry for the things that I said

I danced till my feet bled

I'm never gonna die

Ooh, take the posers instead

The narcs, the fakes and the feds

I'm gonna fly

Baby, baby, baby

Baby, baby, babe

Baby, baby, baby

I'm a smart man

But I'm dumb for you

If I see myself

If I give 'em hell

Will you fly?

If I cut off the head

Of the hand that fed

Are you mine?

If I pummel and maim

If I piss up the drain

Will you hear?

If I pull at your hair

Scream bloody air

Come near

If I cut at the clef

If I rip at its neck

Will you cheer?

I am baby's breath

I dance with death

Will you kneel?

I'm sorry for the things that I said

I danced till my feet bled

I'm never gonna die

Ooh, take the posers instead

The narcs, the fakes and the feds

I'm gonna fly

Baby, baby, baby

Baby, baby, babe

Baby, baby, baby

I'm a smart man

But I'm dumb for you

Babe, baby, baby

I said, baby, baby, baby

Oh, whoa, whoa baby, baby, baby



More IDLES Reading

Check out the rest of our IDLES review and analysis' here:

Comments


bottom of page