Up on the toe
There is a view
Up on the toe
And the spine

Straight and erect
Hungry and curious
Up on the toe
Looking forward to

The air is thinner here

She came here
To lose face
Got down on her knees
The beast is back

On four legs
Set her clock to the moon
Raises her spine

Vertebrae by vertebrae
Up on the toe
Looking

I have been filled with steam for months, for years
Same old cloud, claustrophobic me
Let it burst like old train sounds
Make them leave me nature

Vertebrae by vertebrae by vertebrae

My arms squeeze out of my shoulders

And the arms squeeze out of my shoulders
I curl my tail in words
I set my clock on the moon
Vertebrae by vertebrae

Please release this pressure of me
Please release this pressure of me
Please release this pressure of me
Please
Let off some steam

Overall Meaning

In Björk's song Vertebræ by Vertebræ, she describes the feeling of being upright and standing on the tips of her toes. She emphasizes that in this position, there is a different view and perspective from what she is used to seeing when she is not on her toes. She is curious about what she will be able to see from a different angle, as if trying to find a new perspective to explore. But she is also aware of the sacrifices she has made in order to get to this point.

The second half of the song deals with the idea of release, of feeling the pressure and needing to let off steam. The lines "I have been filled with steam for months, for years" are representative of the stress and frustration that builds up over time, and how it can become overwhelming if not released in some way. She pleads for someone to release the pressure, but acknowledges that she may have to be the one to take that step herself. The image of the tail curling in words, and the arms squeezing out of her shoulders, are physical representations of the pressure being released.

Overall, the song explores the themes of curiosity, sacrifice, and the need for release. Björk uses abstract language and imagery to depict these concepts, leaving the song open to interpretation for the listener.

Line by Line Meaning

Up on the toe
Standing on the tip of the toe with a view

There is a view
Looking at something spectacular

Up on the toe
Standing on the tip of the toe

And the spine
The backbone is straight

Straight and erect
Standing tall with a straight posture

Hungry and curious
Eager and inquisitive to experience more

Up on the toe
Stand up tall on the tip of the toe

Looking forward to
Anticipating something exciting

The air is thinner here
Higher altitude and harder to breathe

She came here
Arrived at this place

To lose face
To reduce or end embarrassment