Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: industrial
Song Meaning of “Grinning Like a Slit” by Black Light Burns
“Grinning Like a Slit” is a song that speaks to the plight of those who are feeling trapped and burdened by their own circumstances. The song paints an image of a person trying to keep up the facade of a bold and strong spirit, masking the vulnerability beneath the surface. The speaker’s resilience is shown in the chorus with the lyrics “Don’t worry, keep holding on, try to keep on grinning like a slit.” Despite the heavy dark feelings the person is feeling, they put on a show of strength and resilience.
The choice of imagery with ‘grinning like a slit’ connotes the hidden darkness and sense of emptiness that the speaker must face. The use of the metaphor of a slit suggests that beyond the smiling visage the person is portraying, deep sadness bubbles just beneath the surface.
The song speaks to the human experience of struggling between the personas we portray to the world and the conflicted emotions that we commonly feel and try to hide. It is a reminder that only when we can be honest and vulnerable with ourselves and with those we trust can we truly come to terms with the conflict we have within and come out the other side stronger from our struggles.