☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a feeling of despair and decline.
- The metaphor of rats in the basement symbolizes the problems and difficulties the singer is facing.
- The lyrics also describe the atmosphere in New York City and the frustration that can come with living in a big city.
- The singer feels misunderstood and neglected by other people.
- The song expresses the darkness and decay that a person can be exposed to in difficult times.
Interpretation
"Rats in the Cellar" by
Aerosmith is about a feeling of despair and decline. The lyrics describe a person who is in a difficult situation and is deteriorating further. The metaphor of rats in the cellar symbolizes the problems and difficulties the singer is facing.
The line "Goin' under - rats are in the cellar" shows that the person is getting deeper into trouble and can't find a solution to their problems. The line "Nose is runny - losin' my connection" suggests that the person is losing their connection to others and feeling lonely.
The lyrics also describe the mood in New York City, referred to as "New York City blues". The song expresses the frustration that can come with living in a big city. The line "Throw me in the slam, catch me if you can" shows that the person feels trapped and can't find a way out.
The lines "Believe that you're wearin', tearin' me apart" and "Go insanin' - and ain't a thing forgotten" illustrate the feeling of tornness and desperation that the singer feels. They feel misunderstood and neglected by others.
Overall, "Rats in the Cellar" by Aerosmith expresses the darkness and decay that a person can face in difficult times. The lyrics are a call to confront one's own problems and seek a solution.