The Pretty Wild – “Button Eyes” – A Haunting Rebellion Against Manipulation

Rising metaphysical metalcore powerhouse, The Pretty Wild released latest track, “Button Eyes” via their new home label, Sumerian Records.

The sister duo, known for their smash hit “sLeepwALkeR” (which has already surpassed 5.6 million Spotify streams), continues to captivate with their boundary-breaking sound. With an eerie, yet empowering narrative, “Button Eyes” explores themes of disillusionment, personal empowerment, and breaking free from manipulation.

Lyrics Analysis: A Song of Resistance and Self-Liberation

As The Pretty Wild themselves put it, “Button Eyes” is for anyone who’s ever felt objectified, used, or controlled. The lyrics embody the moment of consciously breaking free from manipulation and severing toxic ties for good. Jules explains:

“We used dolls as a vessel for this theme, mostly as a way to blend playful melodies and imagery in a way that lightens a heavy conversation topic.”

The description further solidifies the meaning of the song. At its core, “Button Eyes” serves as a rebellion against emotional and psychological oppression. The lyrics paint a chilling picture of being used, discarded, and ultimately defying the forces that seek to control.

The metaphor of “button eyes” evokes a sense of lifelessness—being a mere plaything in someone else’s game—until the protagonist decides to tear away the strings. The song’s lyrics blend gothic horror with personal empowerment. Lines like:

“Under your skin lies a demon at rest” and “I’m not your toy, quit making me feel possessed”

Expose the toxicity of manipulation, while the chorus “I’m done hanging by threads that you keep breaking” embodies the final act of defiance. The repetition of “rip out these button eyes” reinforces the idea of reclaiming identity, no longer blinded by deceit.

Musical Composition: A Dark, Chaotic Symphony

The song’s production is equally intense, mirroring its themes of destruction and rebirth. The track thrives on a dynamic mix of heavy guitars, pulsating drums, and eerie vocal layering.

The “La la la la la” section stands out as a particularly haunting element, adding a twisted lullaby-like quality that makes the song instantly recognizable. This eerie motif contrasts sharply with the aggressive instrumentation, creating a push-and-pull effect that enhances the song’s unsettling yet cathartic atmosphere.

Key Musical Elements:

• Eerie Vocal Hooks – The “La la la la la” section adds an unsettling yet catchy touch.
• Explosive Instrumentation – Thunderous drums and distorted guitars amplify the song’s intensity.
• Shifting Dynamics – The track balances quiet tension with explosive choruses for emotional impact.
• Gothic Undertones – Dark lyricism and haunting melodies contribute to its eerie aesthetic.

Conclusion: A Fierce Statement Wrapped in Gothic Horror

The Pretty Wild masterfully fuses raw emotion with unsettling imagery, crafting a track that lingers long after the final note. Its chilling hooks, defiant lyricism, and powerful instrumentals make it a standout entry in the band’s discography—one that listeners won’t soon forget.

For those who wants to hear the song firsthand, the song is available on Youtube.

Discover the best rock tracks regularly curated by whisp.fm

The Pretty Wild – “Button Eyes” Lyrics

[Verse]
Now you got me tangled in your deception
Pulling on your silver string to bring tension
Cut it with a knife to teach you a lesson

[Pre-Chorus]
I wear my pain like a worn out dress
Split side seams and a hole in my head
I play pretend on your dollhouse bed
I’m not your toy, quit making me feel possessed
I’m coming undone

[Chorus]
Stitches tearing
Severed beyond repairing
You pull me out from the inside
I’m done hanging
By threads that you keep breaking
I’m ripping out these button eyes

[Post-Chorus]
I’m demonized, I’m demonized
As I dismantle your disguise
I laugh as I, I laugh as I
Rip out these button eyes

[Verse]
Under your skin lies a demon at rest
Delicate beauty now turned grotesque
A mirror of me that I can’t suppress

[Pre-Chorus]
I wear my pain like a worn out dress
Split side seams and a hole in my head
I play pretend on your dollhouse bed
I’m not your toy, quit making me feel possessed

[Chorus]
Stitches tearing
Severed beyond repairing
You pull me out from the inside
I’m done hanging
By threads that you keep breaking
I’m ripping out these button eyes

[Post-Chorus]
I’m demonized, I’m demonized
As I dismantle your disguise
I laugh as I, I laugh as I
Rip out these button eyes

[Bridge]
You fed on me, you fed me lies
Built my trust then watched it die
You fed on me, you fed me lies
You thought you could eat me alive?
Cut out the parasite! Cut it!
You fed on me, you fed me lies (Fed me lies)
You built my trust then watched it die (Watched it die)
You fed on me, you fed me lies (Fed me lies)
Thought you could eat me alive
Rip out these button eyes
I’m coming undone

[Chorus]
Stitches tearing
Severed beyond repairing
You pull me out from the inside
I’m done (I’m done) hanging (Hanging)
By threads that you keep breaking
I’m ripping out these button eyes

[Post-Chorus]
I’m demonized, I’m demonized
As I dismantle your disguise
I laugh as I, I laugh as I
Rip out these button eyes