Burning Embers of Doubt | Red Eyes | The War on Drugs

The War on Drugs' song "Red Eyes" is a standout track from their 2014 album "Lost in the Dream". The song's lyrics are a poignant exploration of relationships, trust, and vulnerability.

At its core, "Red Eyes" is a love song, but one that's tinged with uncertainty and anxiety. The lyrics describe a relationship where the speaker is desperate to connect with their partner, but struggles to overcome their own insecurities and fears. The repeated refrain of "I see red eyes" becomes a kind of mantra, symbolizing the speaker's intense emotional state.

The song's title itself is significant, as "red eyes" can be seen as a metaphor for passion, anger, or even tears - all emotions that are closely tied to the human experience. The War on Drugs' lead vocalist, Adam Granduciel, has spoken about how the song was inspired by his own experiences with anxiety and depression, and how it represents a moment of reckoning and self-awareness.

Throughout the song, Granduciel's vocal delivery is characterized by its raw emotion and vulnerability - his voice cracks and trembles as he sings about his fears and doubts. The music itself is equally evocative, featuring lush guitars, pulsing basslines, and a driving drumbeat that propels the track forward.

In many ways, "Red Eyes" is a song about the fragility of human connection, and how even our closest relationships can be fraught with tension and uncertainty. Yet despite this, the song ultimately finds hope in the idea that love and trust are worth fighting for - no matter how difficult it may seem.