Bittersweet Melodies
Feist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under slow dancing trees
Birds are telling me stories
Saying you were meant for me
With their bittersweet melodies
Like a sweet memory
Bittersweet melodies
Can't go back, I can't go on (without those)
Bittersweet melodies
Weakened kitchen floor
Snow slips under the door
Tiny speakers were singing
Telephone always ringing
With those bittersweet melodies
Like a sweet memory
Bittersweet melodies
Can't go back, I can't go on
I remember us
'Fore we turn to dust
Just when these feelings were all about
When we still could trust
In our hearts
Bittersweet memory
Like a sweet melody
Bittersweet memories
Can't go back, I can't go on
Both of us singing that same old song
With those bittersweet memories
Like a sweet melody
Bittersweet memories
And it seemed oh so wrong
Since those bittersweet melodies
Played for me
Feist's song Bittersweet Melodies is a nostalgic and emotive piece that explores the power of memory and the pain of losing something once held dear. The opening verse immediately sets up a melancholic and wistful mood, with the singer listening to the whispers of the grass and birds, who remind her that someone was once meant for her. The gentle flow of the trees and the birds' melodies act as a metaphor for the bittersweet memories she has of that person.
The second verse continues the theme of loneliness and despair, with the weakened kitchen floor and snow slipping under the door setting up a very cold and isolated feeling. However, the tiny speakers singing and the telephone always ringing act as reminders of the past and the bittersweet melodies they shared with each other. The chorus reiterates the power of memory and how it feels impossible to move on without those same melodies.
The final verse reflects on the past, reminding the audience and the singer of the sweet moments before everything turned sour. The phrase "just when these feelings were all about, when we still could trust in our hearts" acts as a poignant reminder of how everything changed so quickly. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that the past is inescapable and that memories can be both beautiful and detrimental.
Line by Line Meaning
Whispers in the grass
The natural sounds of the surrounding environment.
Under slow dancing trees
The visual and sensory experience of being surrounded by swaying trees.
Birds are telling me stories
The songs of birds are interpreted as tales or messages.
Saying you were meant for me
The birds' songs speak of a destined connection.
With their bittersweet melodies
Despite their beauty, the birds' songs also carry a pang of sadness.
Like a sweet memory
The bittersweet melodies stir up nostalgia.
Bittersweet melodies
The mixed emotions and memories that arise from the music of the birds.
Can't go back, I can't go on (without those)
The singer feels unable to move forward or let go of the past without the influence of those bittersweet songs.
Weakened kitchen floor
The physical structure of the singer's surroundings is deteriorating and unstable.
Snow slips under the door
The intrusion of the elements into the singer's home.
Tiny speakers were singing
Small, insignificant sources of music and sound.
Telephone always ringing
The constant interruptions of modern technology.
I remember us
Reflections on a past relationship.
'Fore we turn to dust
Before the inevitable end of life.
Just when these feelings were all about
The height of emotional intensity.
When we still could trust
A time of mutual faith and confidence.
In our hearts
The emotions and sentiments shared between the two people.
And it seemed oh so wrong
The memory is tinted by a sense of regret or disillusionment.
Both of us singing that same old song
Both parties were equally invested in the relationship, with recurring patterns and themes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dominic Mocky Salole, Leslie Feist
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jorgecordoba7320
I don't know what I've loved more if it was the video or the song
@tommadeska13
Now THIS is how you make a music video. Absolutely beautiful.
@OkaySoShit
Only white people...
@Nataly8216
"Can't go back, I can't go on" <3
@Nacgt
Old times never backs, but they re still with us, at ours hearts.
This song makes me so emotional :,)
@NotZeMaidOfOrleansFV
Well, I'm gonna go cry for 3 days now.
@OkaySoShit
Only white people...
@nikkucharski4851
😊
@WashingtonianChiq
I just love Feist, she is so talented and her music just keeps getting better <3
@OkaySoShit
Hello