BLEACH

"BLEACH" is a deeply introspective and emotionally vulnerable track that explores the internal struggles of the members of BROCKHAMPTON. The overarching theme is the desire for purification and a fresh start, as symbolized by the title. Each verse acts as a confessional, with different members tackling their personal demons, insecurities, and anxieties. The song delves into feelings of isolation, depression, the search for meaning in fleeting moments, and the difficulty of confronting one's own flaws. It speaks to the universal struggle of growing up and trying to find one's place in the world. The metaphor of bleach is central, representing the longing to erase past mistakes, painful memories, and the 'stains' on one's psyche. Ultimately, the song is a raw and honest portrayal of vulnerability, the pain of self-reflection, and the hope for healing and growth.

The song opens with a recurring, poignant question, delivered with a sense of emotional turmoil: "Who got the feelin'? Tell me why I cry when I feel it." This sets a tone of confusion and overwhelming sensitivity that permeates the entire track. The lyrics then transition into the personal struggles and anxieties of the various members of BROCKHAMPTON.

Matt Champion's verse paints a picture of isolation and introversion. He describes himself as a "homebody," constantly screening calls and building emotional walls. There's a feeling of being trapped within his own mind, which he describes as "off-kilter." He admits to turning memories into fantasies for a sense of pleasure, suggesting a disconnect from reality as a coping mechanism. He feels monstrous and zombified, battling feelings of being unwanted yet refusing to give up. The imagery of letting the water run symbolizes a desire for cleansing or perhaps letting go.

Merlyn Wood's verse introduces a different flavor of internal conflict, touching on themes of hedonism and spirituality. He speaks of a woman wanting to get high off him while he contemplates mortality during moments of intense passion or religious introspection. He acknowledges that trusting him would lead to hurt, a candid admission of his own unreliability. His verse is a whirlwind of touring life, desire, and a raw, unapologetic energy.

Ameer Vann's contribution delves into a sense of disillusionment and moral struggle. He confesses to finding false hope in transient places like hotel rooms and temporary feelings. There's an attempt to escape and hide from a higher judgment, as he feels burdened by his inner demons. The metaphor of being tangled in the sheets with his demons and sinking deeper illustrates a feeling of being consumed by his flaws and past mistakes.

Dom McLennon's verse is a philosophical and introspective examination of his actions and their consequences. He is confronted with the question of whether he makes mistakes or makes changes, and where he draws the line for a better future. The metaphor of tasting the wind to see if it's cold enough to extinguish a flame speaks to his vulnerability and the external pressures that threaten his confidence. He ends on a note of uncertainty, wondering who is to blame for his internal struggles, highlighting a crisis of accountability and the complex interplay between internal and external factors.

The song concludes with Bearface's ethereal outro, which shifts the tone towards a fragile sense of hope and connection. The repeated line, "I forgot my passport, for sure, all for a pretty sky," suggests a willingness to abandon practicalities and responsibilities for moments of beauty and escapism. It's a bittersweet acknowledgment of finding solace in simple, fleeting experiences, even at a personal cost. This final section provides a gentle, melancholic release from the preceding verses' intense introspection.

"BLEACH" was recorded between August and November 2017 for BROCKHAMPTON's third studio album, Saturation III. The song was written and produced by the members of BROCKHAMPTON themselves, with production specifically credited to Romil Hemnani and Jabari Manwa. The track features vocals from members Matt Champion, Merlyn Wood, Ameer Vann, Dom McLennon, Joba, and Bearface, along with a prominent chorus by frequent collaborator Ryan Beatty. According to Beatty, the creation of the song was an organic process. Romil Hemnani created the beat, and Kevin Abstract (Ian Simpson) was present with Beatty. Beatty had previously only done background vocals for the group, but on this track, things clicked. Abstract sang the melody, and the special feeling of the song was immediate. The song was first previewed in the group's short film titled "Billy Star," released a couple of days before the album.

The rhyme scheme in "BLEACH" is largely free-flowing, characteristic of conversational rap verses, rather than adhering to a strict, traditional pattern. The focus is more on the narrative and emotional delivery. The rhythm of the song is generally slow and deliberate, contributing to its melancholic and introspective mood. The tempo allows the lyrics to be absorbed and felt. There is a clear interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm. The verses often have a more spoken-word feel, with the cadence of the rappers following the emotional arc of their lyrics rather than being strictly dictated by the beat. This contrasts with the more melodic and rhythmically consistent chorus sung by Ryan Beatty. The beat itself is somewhat hazy and languid, which complements the themes of confusion and emotional turmoil. The song's structure, with its rotating vocalists, creates a dynamic rhythmic experience, preventing the track from becoming monotonous.

"BLEACH" is noted for its blend of musical and literary techniques that create its distinctive, atmospheric quality. Musically, it's described as an "abstract R&B power ballad." The production features a "woozy synth line" reminiscent of G-funk, which transitions into a more traditional R&B feel during the climax. There is a notable use of a palm-muted guitar riff during Joba's bridge, which adds a different texture to the song. The vocal delivery is varied, ranging from Matt Champion and Merlyn Wood's rap verses to Joba's "silky" falsetto and Ryan Beatty's heartfelt, chest-driven hook. The producers, Romil Hemnani and Jabari Manwa, also employ pitch-shifting and vocal layering, particularly on the harmonies, using tools like Soundtoys' Little AlterBoy to create the song's dreamy and sometimes haunting vocal textures. Lyrically, the song employs a confessional, narrative style, with each verse presenting a personal vignette of struggle. The use of rhetorical questions, such as in Dom McLennon's verse ("Do you make mistakes or do you make a change?"), encourages introspection from the listener.

"BLEACH" is one of BROCKHAMPTON's most popular and critically acclaimed songs, often cited as a fan favorite and a standout track in their discography. It is their most-played song on Spotify with hundreds of millions of streams. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA in November 2019. "BLEACH" has been praised for its emotional depth, relatability, and its successful blending of hip-hop and R&B sensibilities. Critics have described it as "stunning" and "heart-wrenching". The song's introspective and vulnerable themes resonated with a wide audience, contributing to BROCKHAMPTON's reputation as a group that wasn't afraid to tackle difficult personal subjects like mental health and insecurity. "BLEACH" is a staple in their live performances, often becoming a powerful, emotional singalong moment with the audience. The song's success solidified the group's unique position in the music landscape as a self-proclaimed "boy band" that redefined the term by incorporating diverse voices and experiences.

The most significant symbol in "BLEACH" is the title itself. Bleach, a chemical agent used for cleaning and removing stains, serves as a powerful metaphor for the desire to cleanse oneself of past traumas, mistakes, and internal struggles. This concept is woven throughout the track as each member expresses a desire to wipe their slate clean. Other metaphors include:

• Dom McLennon's verse: He uses the imagery of tasting the wind to see if it's "cold enough to kill our flame" to represent testing the limits of his resilience against external pressures and his own eroding confidence. The "flame" symbolizes his confidence and strength.
• Ameer Vann's verse: He describes being "tangled in the sheets and sinkin' deeper with 'em" when talking about his demons, a metaphor for feeling trapped and overwhelmed by his personal flaws.
• Matt Champion's verse: The line "finish addin' notches to my belt loop" can be interpreted as a grim counting of personal failures or emotional burdens.
• Bearface's Outro: The phrase "I forgot my passport... all for a pretty sky" symbolizes sacrificing practicality and important responsibilities for fleeting moments of beauty and escapism. The "pretty sky" represents a form of salvation or a beautiful distraction from life's hardships.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "BLEACH" is the chorus sung by Ryan Beatty: "Who got the feelin'? / Tell me why I cry when I feel it / Tell me why, tell me why." This hook serves as the song's emotional anchor, returning between verses to reinforce the central theme of being overwhelmed by intense, unexplainable emotions. Dom McLennon's verse also features a repeated rhetorical question: "They said 'do you make mistakes or do you make a change?' / Or do you draw the line for when it's better days?" This repetition emphasizes his internal conflict and the cyclical nature of his self-questioning. Another recurring element is a subtle sound effect from the beginning of "BLEACH" which can also be heard in the song "SUGAR". The phrase "Tell me why" is repeated throughout the chorus, underscoring the sense of confusion and the search for answers.