Meaning of Outer Science by Will Stetson

Unraveling the Dark and Twisted Narrative of "Outer Science" by Will Stetson

As I delved into the world of "Outer Science" by Will Stetson, I was immediately struck by the haunting and unsettling atmosphere that permeates the song. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world filled with despair, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of one’s choices. In this article, I will explore the meaning behind this thought-provoking song, and share my personal experience with it.

A Descent into Darkness

The song’s narrative is a dark and twisted tale that explores the themes of despair, manipulation, and the consequences of one’s choices. The lyrics describe a world filled with misery, sin, and the presence of dead souls. The protagonist is drawn into this world by a mistress figure who welcomes them, despite the protagonist feeling sickened by the story. This sense of unease and discomfort is palpable throughout the song, leaving the listener feeling unsettled and disturbed.

The Struggle for Sanity

The lyrics suggest a struggle to maintain sanity and fight against the manipulation of the mistress. The idea of swallowing the mind and consuming tortured souls’ hearts represents the protagonist being forced to witness and accept the suffering around them. This imagery is both haunting and thought-provoking, highlighting the devastating consequences of trauma and manipulation. The act of gouging out eyes might symbolize a willful blindness to the truth or a desperate attempt to block out the horrors. This theme of blindness and denial is a powerful commentary on the human tendency to avoid confronting the darkness that surrounds us.

The Power of Choice

The chorus emphasizes the protagonist’s choice to enter this world and encourages them to keep fighting instead of running away. Glaring at the eyes and playing "my game" refers to accepting the mistress’s challenge and engaging in her twisted reality. This choice is a powerful commentary on the human desire for control and agency in the face of adversity. The song suggests that even in the darkest of times, we have the power to choose our own path and to fight against the forces that seek to manipulate and control us.

A Greater Power at Play

The song also suggests a greater power or force at play, as the protagonist is welcomed into the mistress’s womb. Love and ego are sinking, highlighting their destructive nature. This imagery is both powerful and thought-provoking, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked desire and ambition. The reference to playing by the "queues" potentially alludes to following a predetermined fate or script. This theme of fate and predetermination is a powerful commentary on the human experience, highlighting the idea that our choices may be influenced by forces beyond our control.

Trapped in a Tragic Tale

The song portrays the protagonist as a queen figure, sought after by someone who considers themselves the king. This relationship represents manipulation and control, with the queen being trapped in the story the king desires. This theme of manipulation and control is a powerful commentary on the human tendency to seek power and dominance over others. The song implies that the world in which the protagonist exists is deeply flawed, and that they are surrounded by decay, indifference, and foolish claims from others.

The Destructive Consequences of Desire

As the story reaches its end, the song describes a horrifying image of bodies twisted, crying, howling, and broken. This highlights the destructive consequences of the characters’ actions and desires. The song concludes with a sense of despair and resignation, as the protagonist realizes that life or love was not enough, and that their touch has only led to more suffering. The suffocating and fading light symbolizes the loss of hope and the inevitability of each ending being the same. This imagery is both powerful and haunting, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked desire and ambition.

A Cycle of Tragedy

The song ends with a sense of despair and resignation, as the protagonist realizes that they are trapped in a cycle of tragedy. The repetition of "following" implies that the cycle of tragedy will continue, leaving the protagonist and others to endure the same fate again and again. This theme of repetition and cyclical tragedy is a powerful commentary on the human experience, highlighting the idea that our choices may be influenced by forces beyond our control.

Personal Experience

As I listened to "Outer Science" for the first time, I was struck by the haunting and unsettling atmosphere that permeates the song. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world filled with despair, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of one’s choices. As I delved deeper into the song, I began to appreciate the powerful commentary on the human experience that it offers. The song is a thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, and it left me feeling unsettled and disturbed.

Conclusion

"Outer Science" by Will Stetson is a haunting and thought-provoking song that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world filled with despair, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of one’s choices. The song is a powerful commentary on the human experience, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked desire and ambition, and the cycle of tragedy that can ensue. As I listened to the song, I was struck by the haunting and unsettling atmosphere that permeates it, and I was left feeling unsettled and disturbed.

Watch Top 100 Songs in 2024