Chloroform
Phoenix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They don't mind it if you're tall where I'm from
Anyone I find intrusive
You won't bother if you choose me
I don't only think of you
Eyes can tell I'm insecure; chloroform
I would rather stand if you stay
Why would I lie to you?
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
Cruel
Buckle up, we'll chase each other
It's not a lot it's just enough to matter
Anyway you want the truth is
I will marry you on Tuesday
I don't always tell the truth
If you want it you could lose, don't bother
I don't like it if you miss me
Why would I long for you?
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
Cruel
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love is,
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
Cruel
Would I long for you?
Is it up to you?
Is it up to you?
Ah ah ah ah
The lyrics of Phoenix's song Chloroform are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation, but it appears to describe a relationship that is both insecure and controlling. The singer admits to not always telling the truth and being insecure, using the metaphor of chloroform to suggest how their own insecurities can cloud their vision and make it difficult for them to see things clearly. They also express a desire for control over their partner, implying that they would rather be the one to leave than be left behind.
The chorus repeats the phrase "my love is cruel", perhaps implying that the way this relationship is structured is not healthy, and that both parties may be hurting each other despite their professed love. The bridges, meanwhile, suggest a mix of both excitement and fear: the idea of chasing each other and getting married is appealing, but it's not clear whether this is a genuine expression of affection or a way of exerting more control over the partner.
Overall, it seems that the song is about the dark side of love and relationships, exploring themes of control, insecurity, and power dynamics. While the singer professes to love their partner, the lyrics suggest that there is a lot of manipulation and deceit going on beneath the surface.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't always tell the truth
Admitting that I often deceive, I am not always forthcoming with the truth.
They don't mind it if you're tall where I'm from
Where I come from, in order to impress, social status is measured by height.
Anyone I find intrusive
I find anyone who is intrusive, who invades my personal space, to be a nuisance.
You won't bother if you choose me
If you choose to be with me, you won't cause me to feel any annoyance or disturbance.
I don't only think of you
Although you often consume my thoughts, I have other things on my mind as well.
Eyes can tell I'm insecure; chloroform
My eyes reveal my feelings of vulnerability and insecurity, as if I have been drugged with chloroform.
I would rather stand if you stay
If you are willing to remain with me, I would rather endure hardship and adversity than lose you.
Why would I lie to you?
I have no reason or motivation to deceive you; aka I am being truthful.
My love, my love, my love, my love is,
Repetition of how powerful and all-consuming their love is.
Cruel
The intensity of the love being portrayed is paradoxically associated with the feeling of cruelty.
Buckle up, we'll chase each other
Prepare yourself for the wild and tumultuous ride of pursuing a relationship with me.
It's not a lot it's just enough to matter
Even if it may seem insignificant, this relationship matters enough to me to pursue it and dedicate myself to it.
Anyway you want the truth is
Regardless of the way you may want it or the form it may take, the truth remains the same.
I will marry you on Tuesday
I am willing to commit fully to this relationship, even to the point of marriage.
If you want it you could lose, don't bother
If you're not willing to fight for it or commit yourself fully, don't even bother trying to pursue a relationship with me.
I don't like it if you miss me
If you express longing or missing me, it will only cause me discomfort and annoyance.
Why would I long for you?
It would be foolish and unwise for me to allow myself to yearn for a relationship with you.
Is it up to you?
The responsibility and choice of pursuing a relationship with me is entirely in your hands.
Ah ah ah ah
A vocalization that lacks a clear meaning or definition.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTIAN MAZZALAI, FREDERIC MOULIN, LAURENT MAZZALAI, THOMAS CROQUET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-fr3xb8fw3t
phoenix just gives me this vibe that no other band does.
@mini_mozzer
listen to Alpha Zulu
@fernandodiez1339
Sofia Coppola is just a misunderstood genius. She knows how to create hypnotical images that suit the music perfectly, depicting so much understanding and sensibility.
@juliojosesanchezgamboa8732
That ending instrumental it's fantastic, this song is so underrated.
@jessahmary08
Sofia did a really good job on making this music video. Every time you see your favorite band play right in front of you, don't you feel intoxicated? For me its like I'm intoxicated with Chloroform, but in a good way. There's just that feeling you don't understand, a great unexplainable feeling when you jam with your favorite band's song, sing their lyrics even when it's cryptic. You get blown away. For a moment it felt so surreal, then as the concert is about to end, reality fades in, that you only get to enjoy the feeling when they're playing. And when the concert ends, shit, back to reality.
@reviewbrah6353
jessahmary08 YES, I went to a concert about 3 months ago and I still having “depression post-concert”
@carlosrivas6933
This happened to me 3 years ago, I saw Phoenix in front of me, one of my favourites bands, the vibe was unique and out of the reality, couldn’t believe it at the moment, still missing this feeling, hope to see Phoenix again
@laurencydni
The fact that this was directed by sofia coppola makes it so much better.
@krostouin
hipster :)
@VertigaDesignMEDIA
are you fucking for real. I love this song 10 times more now.