In the first verse, Grimes paints a picture of a person who is familiar with pain and self-harm, potentially as a coping mechanism for inner turmoil. The lines "Dirt in your fingernails / Blood on your knees" suggest a physical toll taken on a person who seems to wear their suffering on their body. Grimes sings that this person was her best friend, but hints that their relationship was not without its difficulties and misunderstandings. However, Grimes expresses a desire to mend things between them, despite the pain that has transpired.
The chorus delivers the overarching message of the song - that the relationship ultimately led to the protagonist falling off the edge, both literally and metaphorically. There was a certain allure to the relationship that was too good to be true, but also ultimately unsustainable and dangerous.
The second verse delves a bit deeper into the darker aspects of the relationship, with lines like "Bite off your fingernails / Cut up your skin". The line "I was only looking for a human to reciprocate" suggests that the protagonist was seeking a relationship that was mutually supportive, but didn't necessarily find it. The chorus repeats to further emphasize the message that the relationship was ultimately doomed.
The bridge suggests that the protagonist has come to some sort of realization about their experience and is trying to pick up the pieces after falling. The line "And I see your reflection when I look at mine" suggests that the protagonist has learned something about themselves through the relationship, potentially a deep understanding of their own negative tendencies and patterns. The repetition of "Baby, don't go away" in the final chorus hints at a desperation to hold onto the relationship, despite its destructive nature. Overall, "Pin" is a powerful and emotionally resonant exploration of complex human relationships and the toll they can take on individuals.
Pin
Grimes Lyrics
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But did that ever make you happy?
I think you were my best friend, gentle, do not apprehend
I know it hasn't been a dream, but if you pardon, I will mend
Drunk in a parking lot, just after three
Tearin' out your hair like a banshee
Lighter and a safety pin, light the end, burn to skin
Ooh ooh
Falling off the edge with you, ooh ooh
It was too good to be true
Too good to be true
Bite off your fingernails, cut off your skin
Tell me that it didn't happen
Running through the dark woods, falling, couldn't see straight
I was only looking for a human to reciprocate
Baby it's a black hole, I need it to breathe
But does it really make you happy?
Kiss me with a big knife, bloody heart of paradise
Led him like a soldier, peace of mind, must be nice
Ooh ooh
Falling off the edge with you, ooh ooh
It was too good to be true
Too good to be true
Thought I had won, I thought I won til I lost
I, fixing my fall, but for what cost?
And I see your reflection when I look in mine
And I say, I say (I say)
Baby, don't look away
Falling off the edge with you, ahh ooh ooh ooh
It was too good to be true
Ooh, falling off the edge with you
It was too good to be true
Too good to be true
Grimes's song "Pin" is a hauntingly beautiful representation of a friendship that has gone awry. The lyrics allude to the fact that the friendship may have been toxic, but the singer of the song still longs for the good times they shared. The opening lines of "Dirt on your fingernails, blood on your knees, but did that ever make you happy?" suggest that the two friends had a certain thrill-seeking mentality, but it ultimately left them unsatisfied. The line "I think you were my best friend, gentle, do not apprehend" implies that although there may have been issues between them, the singer still cares deeply for their friend.
The chorus of the song, "Falling off the edge with you, it was too good to be true" suggests that the friendship was a dangerous and thrilling experience, but ultimately not healthy. The line "Baby it's a black hole, I need it to breathe, but does it really make you happy?" solidifies the idea that the friendship may have been based on destructive behavior, and the singer is questioning whether it was worth it. The final line "Too good to be true" could be interpreted in different ways – it could be that the singer means the friendship was too amazing to last, or that it was never as good as it seemed in the first place.
Overall, "Pin" is a complex and introspective song that explores the intricacies of a troubled friendship. The singer grapples with their conflicting feelings of affection and regret, and the haunting melodies and lyrics create a beautifully sad atmosphere that captures the heartache of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Dirt on your fingernails, blood on your knees
You've been working hard, but was it worth it?
But did that ever make you happy?
Maybe your hard work didn't bring you happiness
I think you were my best friend, gentle, do not apprehend
You were important to me, and I don't want to accuse you of anything
I know it hasn't been a dream, but if you pardon, I will mend
I know the past is real, but I want us to move on and heal
Drunk in a parking lot, just after three
We were both intoxicated and vulnerable
Tearin' out your hair like a banshee
You were in agony and expressing it intensely
Lighter and a safety pin, light the end, burn to skin
You were hurting yourself, and I wish I could have stopped you
I'll stick to you forever, 'cause this scar, I think is permanent
Even though it hurts, I'll stay with you through the pain
Bite off your fingernails, cut off your skin
You were self-destructive and hurting yourself
Tell me that it didn't happen
I want to believe that things weren't that bad
Running through the dark woods, falling, couldn't see straight
We were both lost and struggling to make it through
I was only looking for a human to reciprocate
I just wanted to feel connection and validation from someone else
Baby it's a black hole, I need it to breathe
Our relationship is a dark, suffocating void, but I feel like I can't live without it
But does it really make you happy?
Is this unhealthy relationship truly bringing you joy?
Kiss me with a big knife, bloody heart of paradise
Our love is twisted and painful, but it feels like a beautiful disaster
Led him like a soldier, peace of mind, must be nice
I wish I could have the certainty and peace of mind that you seem to have
Thought I had won, I thought I won til I lost
I thought I was in control, but I was blinded by love and couldn't see the truth
I, fixing my fall, but for what cost?
I tried to pick up the pieces, but it was a painful and costly process
And I see your reflection when I look in mine
I see your influence and pain in myself
And I say, I say (I say)
I have something important to express
Baby, don't look away
Please don't ignore my feelings and pain
Falling off the edge with you, ahh ooh ooh ooh
Our relationship is dangerous and risky
It was too good to be true
Our love felt perfect, but it was unsustainable
Ooh, falling off the edge with you
Even though it's dangerous, I can't resist you
Too good to be true
Our love felt perfect, but it was unsustainable
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Claire Elise Boucher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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