Released: 2022
Right, we’re diving into “killer”, by the eternally enigmatic FKA twigs. It’s a haunting illustration of a tumultuous love relation, teetering on the brink of destruction. Deeply textured with fear, desire and emotional atrophy, it serves up a potent cocktail of obsession, vulnerability, and deadly love.
Now, let’s break it down, verse by verse, shall we? In the opening verse, the protagonist highlights the perils of being a love-stricken woman, moving quicker yet feeling like she’s trudging through “muddy waters”. This clever metaphor encapsulates the struggle, the emotional fatigue. Her plea for healing (or perhaps divine intervention) underscores the gravity of her situation.
By referencing her father’s advice to call home, FKA twigs reveals a protective element to her upbringing – a stark contrast to the “killer” love she’s immersed in. The metaphor of being “shot” while alone instantly strips away a layer of security, exposing the element of danger in her isolated state.
Flipping the script on traditional love songs, FKA twigs insists she doesn’t want to die in the name of love, despite its perceived holiness. Her dance in the darkness with her heart clenching acknowledges the beauty that still exists within this treacherous love. Thus, “killer” begins to represent not just a threat, but something intoxicating that she struggles to label.
The chorus explores the bodily aspect of this liaison, resonating with the hands-on-waist dance trope – yet, here, it comes with a sinister undertone. It’s a powerful scene of attraction, mixed with denial. She’s aware of the danger – the “killer” – but refuses to acknowledge it. The repeated line “didn’t wanna call it” shows her resistance to face the truth.
Moving on, our heroine questions her belief system— a classic symptom of being stuck in a toxic situation. The lines question when happiness became sinful and hurt intentional, highlighting the twisted dynamics of her relationship. Here, the constant plea for healing underlines the desperate need for escape or resolution.
The song then wraps up on a desperate note. FKA twigs contemplates erasing all parts of herself that knew this love – as extreme as shaving her hair off –, but she’s caught in the throes of emotional starvation, unable to exist without this deadly affection.
So, what have we got? “killer” is a deep dive into the dark abyss of a lethal love affair, punctuated by raw vulnerability, desperate pleas, and an often-disturbing willingness to endure pain. FKA Twigs’ lyrical landscape is fraught with stark metaphors and emotionally charged language, driving home the complexities of a toxic relationship. It’s an emotionally charged cautionary tale, one that resonates with listeners who’ve navigated similar muddy waters themselves.
