Shelter
♥The XX Lyrics
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Under cover, hide away
Can you hear, when I say?
I have never felt this way
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Could I be, was I there?
It felt so crystal in the air
I still want to drown, whenever you leave
Please teach me gently, how to breathe
And I'll cross oceans, like never before
So you can feel the way I feel it too
And I'll mirror images back at you
So you can see the way I feel it too
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
The XX's song "Shelter" can be seen as a representation of seeking comfort in a relationship. In the first verse, the singer expresses that they find "shelter" and a hiding place "under cover." They then ask if their partner can hear them when they say that they've never felt this way before. It can be inferred that the singer is overwhelmed by this newfound feeling and seeking refuge in their partner.
In the second verse, the singer questions if they were really present in the moment, almost as though they are questioning the legitimacy of the feeling. They then express that they still have a desire to "drown" when their partner leaves and ask to be taught gently how to breathe, further emphasizing their reliance on their partner for comfort.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that if the singer made a mistake or said something wrong, they hope to make it better with the "lights turned on," perhaps indicating a desire for clarity and honesty in the relationship. The song ends with a repetition of this line.
Overall, "Shelter" can be interpreted as a plea for emotional support and seeking refuge in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I find shelter, in this way
I seek solace and safety by hiding from the world and its harshness.
Under cover, hide away
I need to protect myself from the agony and terror that life often brings.
Can you hear, when I say?
Are you listening to my cry for help?
I have never felt this way
I have never been so vulnerable and in need of comfort.
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Perhaps I made a mistake, said something hurtful or incorrect.
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Can I fix the damage I might have caused if I take a closer look?
Could I be, was I there?
Am I mistaken or is there something significant that happened between us?
It felt so crystal in the air
It was palpable and obvious that something important occurred.
I still want to drown, whenever you leave
I feel overwhelmed and desperate whenever you're not around.
Please teach me gently, how to breathe
Please help me learn how to cope with my emotions without suffocating.
And I'll cross oceans, like never before
I'll do whatever it takes to reach you and communicate my feelings.
So you can feel the way I feel it too
So you can understand my perspective and share in my emotions.
And I'll mirror images back at you
I'll reflect your own emotions and experiences back to you, so you can see what it's like for me.
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Perhaps I made a mistake, said something hurtful or incorrect.
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Can I fix the damage I might have caused if I take a closer look?
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Perhaps I made a mistake, said something hurtful or incorrect.
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Can I fix the damage I might have caused if I take a closer look?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROMY ANNA MADLEY CROFT, OLIVER DAVID SIM, JAMES THOMAS SMITH, BARIA QURESHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind