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Borderline
Tame Impala Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ah

Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time for somethin'
How was I to know?
How was I to know this high came rushing?

We're on the borderline
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Possibly a sign
I'm gonna have the strangest night on Sunday

There I go
Quite a show for a loner in L.A.
Askin' how I managed to end up in this place
And I couldn't get away

We're on the borderline
Dangerously far and all forgiven
There's gonna be a fight
Gonna be a price to pay on Monday
(If you and I get comfortable)
We're on the borderline (on the borderline)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time (saw the time)
Watched it speedin' by like a train
Like a train

Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Set it free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
If there's room, room for doubt
As within, as without ya
Will I be so in love?
Gettin' closer, close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P. here comes the sun
Here comes the sun

Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
How could I have known?
How was I to know this life get no shame
I said, "Come with me outside"
I need to clear my mind
This weight is crushing
Do you see the light, oh
Coming from their eyes, oh no
And I couldn't get away

We're on the borderline
Gets me every time
These close encounters
Just to know I can (just to know I can)
Once again, I am alone

Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Set it free, must be tough (I was fine without ya)
Will I be known and loved?
L.A. really messed me up
And it isn't cut and dry
Conversation, well I tried (I was fine without ya)
Will I be? Stay right here
Any closer, bad idea
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P. here comes the sun (I was fine without ya)
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tame Impala's "Borderline" discuss a feeling of being caught in between two extremes, as the singer finds themselves on the borderline of pain and rapture. They express confusion as they ask how they were supposed to know that this high would come rushing, and recount their experience being a loner in L.A. The lyrics also touch upon themes of loneliness and self-doubt, as the singer wonders if they'll ever be known and loved, and if there's anyone they can trust.


The chorus repeats the phrase "we're on the borderline" several times, emphasizing the feeling of being caught between two conflicting emotions or situations. The lyrics suggest that there will be consequences for this borderline state, possibly in the form of a fight or a price to pay on Monday. Despite this, there is an undercurrent of hope throughout the song, as the singer strives to set themselves free and find a connection with someone, asking if there's room for doubt or love.


Overall, "Borderline" seems to be a reflection on the challenges of navigating life's ups and downs, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in the midst of it all.


Line by Line Meaning

Gone a little far
I have taken things too far


Gone a little far this time for somethin'
I have taken things too far for something I desire


How was I to know?
I did not know what was going to happen


How was I to know this high came rushing?
I did not expect this sudden, overwhelming feeling


We're on the borderline
We are in a precarious situation


Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Caught between the opposing sensations of pain and ecstasy


Possibly a sign
Maybe it is a sign of something


I'm gonna have the strangest night on Sunday
Sunday is going to be a weird night for me


There I go
Here I am


Quite a show for a loner in L.A.
I am putting on a performance despite being alone in Los Angeles


Askin' how I managed to end up in this place
Questioning how I arrived in this situation


And I couldn't get away
I cannot leave


Dangerously far and all forgiven
I have gone too far but hopefully can be forgiven


There's gonna be a fight
There will be consequences to face


Gonna be a price to pay on Monday
I will face the consequences on Monday


(If you and I get comfortable)
(If we get too comfortable)


Then I saw the time (saw the time)
I realized how quickly time was passing


Watched it speedin' by like a train
Time passed quickly and without pause


Will I be known and loved?
Will I be recognized and cared for?


Is there one that I trust?
Is there someone I can trust?


Starting to sober up
The effects of the high are starting to wear off


Has it been long enough?
Is it time for me to change?


Little closer, close enough
I am getting closer


I'm a loser, loosen up
I feel defeated and need to relax


Set it free, must be tough
Let it go, it is difficult but necessary


L.A. really messed me up
Los Angeles has negatively affected me


And it isn't cut and dry
It is not obvious or straightforward


Conversation, well I tried
I attempted to have a conversation


Will I be? Stay right here
What will happen to me if I remain here?


Any closer, bad idea
It is not a good idea to get any closer


Shout out to what is done
Acknowledgement of the past


R.I.P. here comes the sun
An end to the darkness, some positivity is coming


Gets me every time
It affects me emotionally every time


These close encounters
Repeated and significant interactions


Just to know I can (just to know I can)
To know that I am capable


Once again, I am alone
Once again, I am by myself


Do you see the light, oh
Do you see the hope that I see?


Coming from their eyes, oh no
Is there a lack of hope in their eyes?


I said, "Come with me outside"
I invited someone to join me outside


I need to clear my mind
I need to think and breathe without distraction


This weight is crushing
This emotional burden is overwhelming




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kevin Parker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Dokenschmirtz

[Verse 1]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
How was I to know?
How was I to know this high came rushing?

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline
Dangerously fine and unforgiven
Possibly a sign
I'm gonna have the strangest night on Sunday
[Verse 2]
Here I go
Quite a show for a loner in L.A.​
I wonder how I managed to end up in this place
Where I couldn't get away

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train
Like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)

[Verse 3]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
Rudi said it's fine
They used to do this all the time in college (If you and I get comfortable)

[Chorus]
And we're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)



@IzzyIsntReal

Correct Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
How was I to know?
How was I to know this high came rushing?

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline
Dangerously fine and unforgiven
Possibly a sign
I'm gonna have the strangest night on Sunday

[Verse 2]
Here I go
Quite a show for a loner in L.A.​
I wonder how I managed to end up in this place
Where I couldn't get away

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train
Like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)


[Verse 3]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
Rudi said it's fine
They used to do this all the time in college (If you and I get comfortable)

[Chorus]
And we're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)



All comments from YouTube:

@nucleusmedicalmedia

Kevin Parker is a genius.

@albatrossmania3219

Why is the channel above here?!?

@SMOK3YY7

@@albatrossmania3219 because they are verified

@Uni02BN

no way

@curiousandconstipated

NUCLEUS??? 💀

@ianorod55

@@albatrossmania3219 bro what

60 More Replies...

@paprika7840

this sounds like summer and i'm loving it

@xtucs

Man sounds like a edit is coming at me 💀💀

@RoyalSwedishMaps

@@xtucsfr

@TheSturgian

​@@xtucs Sturgia edit

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