The song 'She Said Destroy' by Death in June, with lyrics written by David Tibet, explores themes of chaos, despair, and annihilation. The repetitive invocation of 'into that darkness' sets a somber tone, guiding the listener into various scenes of desolation and destruction that reflect a collapsing or apocalyptic world. References to 'jackals howling' and 'flowers unfolding' contrast the natural cycle of life with the violence and decay illustrated elsewhere in the lyrics.
The song's portrayal of darkness engulfs the listener in an odyssey through a landscape marred by demise and ruin. The recurrence of 'into that darkness' serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitable draw towards the end, the unknown, or perhaps the evils that lie within society or the human psyche. Throughout the song, the imagery of jackals and flowers suggests a raw, primal state of existence, where life persists even among the howls of demise.
In stark contrast to the organic symbolism, the desolate banners and the mention of a virgin suggests a loss of innocence or purity, perhaps reflecting on the crumbling of ideals or the defilement of what was once held sacred. The line 'The bodies collapsed, swollen with gas' could be interpreted as a reference to the horrific aftermath of war or conflict, underscoring the grim consequences of humanity's destructive impulses.
The repetition of 'She said destroy' acts as a chilling directive amidst the turmoil, hinting at a deeper voice or force advocating for eradication. Whether referring to an inner command, a societal collapse, or a more metaphorical destruction, the phrase evokes a sense of powerlessness in the face of an overwhelming command.
The phrase 'black New York' introduces a specific setting into the abstract devastation, grounding the listener in a real-world impression of a city that might represent the pinnacle of human achievement and its potential descent into chaos. It brings a contemporary element to the narrative, suggesting that the scenes of destruction are not relegated to a distant myth but are ever-present and near.
"She said destroy in black New York..."
This line combines the book title 'Destroy, She Said' with the city of New York, possibly merging the thematic elements of the novel with the chaotic energy or existing societal issues within this urban setting.
"Like flowers unfolding"
The imagery of flowers unfolding amidst darkness provides a visual metaphor for growth and beauty persisting even in the face of overwhelming despair or destruction.
"The virgin is blessed"
This phrase may hint at the paradox of innocence being exalted even as it is threatened or destroyed, a theme that recurs in the dystopian and chaotic landscapes often explored in post-punk lyrics.
"Turning and turning"
Echoes W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming,' particularly the line 'Turning and turning in the widening gyre,' which suggests a loss of control and an approaching chaos.