On the surface, “Polyamorous” is about losing control of your behavior due to uncontrolled sexual activity and lack of loyalty. The lyrics focus on how it feels to become totally dominated by a desire, which can seem like another person is taking over. On a deeper level, this alter-ego phenomenon can be interpreted in ways that aren’t limited to sex only.
Benjamin Burnley was the lyricist for this song, as he was for the other tracks on Saturate. It was Breaking Benjamin’s lead single on their debut album, meaning it was essentially their first major step into the world. During these early days, Breaking Benjamin was creatively influenced by bands like Chevelle and Korn. Emotionally, this time period was part of Burnley’s long struggle with alcoholism, which explains why many tracks on Saturate have to do with losing self-control.
In this article, we’ll perform an analysis of these blunt lyrics to decipher their intended meaning. We’ll also take a look at the songwriting story and the track’s broader themes that make it understandable to anyone. Without further ado, let’s get started!
“Polyamorous” Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics begin by setting the scene, which is the aftermath of some difficult situation. At this point, “the day has come to an end,” indicating that the time for action has already passed. Now, Burnley will reflect on the day’s deeds.
He summarizes it directly: His “polyamorous friend” has put him in a “mess of trouble again.” Who is this friend? It could be another person, as some interpreters believe. I, however, think he’s talking figuratively. The “polyamorous” aspect of himself feels like another person. The rest of the song is like a conversation between his two identities.
The chorus is his alter-ego’s chance to speak up. It seems to enjoy torturing Burnley, promising that “just when you [Burnley] think you’re alright,” it will pounce. It denies responsibility for its actions and admits it “never listens.”
In my opinion, this voice is a personification of Burnley’s sex drive. Drives are mindless things that only seek their own fulfillment. This explains why they “never listen” and do not intend to “hurt anyone.” Burnley, the mind behind the drive, feels cut off from it as if it were someone else.
In the second verse, we return to Burnley’s perspective. He begins by realizing that “they’ve come to get” him again. Who is this “they” in the line? Firstly, it’s possible that they are actual people coming to help Burnley. Secondly, they may be people coming to make him pay for his actions. Lastly, it’s possible that they are just the consequences of his actions represented as people.
Regardless, their coming makes Burnley confront what he’s done. The chorus sheds some light on the situation and gives evidence to the first interpretation. Aside from lines that were included in the first chorus, the polyamorous part of Burnley also tells him to “stay away from the white light” this time. What’s its rationale? It thinks that Burnley’s “worst side” is his “best side.”
Simply put, it’s trying to keep control of Burnley. It doesn’t want him to be saved – instead, it wants him to embrace his negative side.
The “polyamorous friend” in Burnley predicts that Burnley will disagree with that last claim, so it tries to make him doubt himself. In the bridge, it asks, “how do you know?” again and again, apparently to make Burnley feel uncertain.
After this, the song has one more chorus and then ends. In summary, “Polyamorous” is about battling with yourself to combat your own reckless behavior. An animalistic side of you may want one thing, but the other part of you can see its destructiveness. In this song, the bad behavior appears to be sexual, but it doesn’t have to be. We all have our demons, and that’s part of why this song has done well.
The Story Behind “Polyamorous”
Little has been directly said about the creative process behind “Polyamorous.” This is due to several factors, but the main one is timing. “Polyamorous” was the lead single of Breaking Benjamin’s debut studio album, meaning it was a first step for the band in many ways.
Benjamin Burnley has stated that he was creatively influenced by Chevelle and Korn “early on.” The influences of these two groups can be heard throughout Saturate, including on “Polyamorous.”
Many of the songs on Saturate and throughout Breaking Benjamin’s whole discography have to do with losing self-control. This is no coincidence, and “Polyamorous” is no exception. A big reason for this is Burnley’s long struggle with alcoholism, which he often discusses in-depth. These themes are clearly related to the lyrics we just analyzed, although the vice in question may be different.
Regardless of the pain that forged this song and others like it, the world has responded positively. “Polyamorous” reached a position of #19 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and received a healthy dose of critical praise. It became an introduction to Breaking Benjamin for the world, laying the groundwork for their later success.
The next time you play this metallic tune, let these pieces of background information boost your experience!