The Metamorphosis of Deftones: Analyzing the Layers of ‘Change (In The House of Flies)’
Table of Contents
The Beginning of Deftones
Formed in 1988 in Sacramento, Deftones has been one of the most successful and influential bands of the 21st century. Their sound is described as a combination of nu-metal, alternative rock, and experimental music, and their use of heavy guitar riffs and Chino Moreno’s distinctive vocal style makes them easily recognizable. Throughout their career, Deftones has released nine studio albums, with the latest being Ohms in 2020.
Change (In The House of Flies) Composition
One of Deftones’s most iconic songs, ‘Change (In The House of Flies), was released in 2000 as part of their critically acclaimed third studio album, White Pony. The track features a balance between Moreno’s dark, brooding vocal performance and Stephen Carpenter’s intricate yet heavy guitar riff. The song has won numerous awards and has become a fan favorite, known for its emotional pull and the haunting lyrics.
Unpacking the Lyrics
The lyrics of ‘Change (In The House of Flies)’ detail a narrative about a lover’s betrayal and the descent into madness that the betrayed party experiences. Moreno sings, “I watched you change / Into a fly / I looked away / You’re on fire.” This imagery symbolizes the transformation of a person into something unexpected, hurtful, and chaotic.
The song describes a sense of being trapped, as Moreno sings, “I’ve watched a change in you / It’s like you never had wings / Now you feel so alive / I’ve watched you change.” He is describing how his partner turned into someone unrecognizable and how her change had killed any former connection they shared.
Another set of lyrics that may prove to be significant for some listeners goes, “What’s in your mind? A whisper of love? A whisper of hate? You creep on back / Strike up a match and start a fire”. This part isn’t particularly a specific storyline more so than it is a sentiment that people may get lazy and bend to the impulses of hate and anger to create chaos, which leads to the destruction of relationships.
Interpretation of Lyrics
According to Moreno, the song originally came from his experience of feeling trapped in a certain situation and finding himself transforming into something he did not expect. In the song, the lover’s transformation into a fly could very well represent a metamorphosis into something one dislikes about themselves, another person, or the outcome of a situation.
Some may interpret the song’s lyrics to describe a sense of frustration with not being able to change a partner’s ways. Despite the lover’s efforts to watch and understand the changes happening in their partner, he or she succumbed to the compulsion for chaos and ultimately destroyed the relationship.
Whether the song is about Moreno’s personal experience or not, the feelings of betrayal, confusion, and madness are generalized enough to resonate with anyone who has ever felt this way in a relationship.
Conclusion
Deftones’ ‘Change (In The House of Flies)’ is a heavy and emotional song that touches on themes of betrayal, vulnerability, and metamorphosis. The song has become a classic of alternative music, with its haunting instrumental and Moreno’s distinctive voice. The track’s lyrics may seem straightforward, describing a partner’s betrayal and its impact on a relationship, however, they retain a sense of universality that makes them relatable to anybody who has ever experienced heartbreak. The song builds to a climax that captures the sense of rage and helplessness of the protagonist, a feeling that resonates with listeners on a personal level. It is a testament to Deftones’ ability to create layered and complex music that speaks to the human experience, and why they have remained a favorite of many for so many years.
