Hollow
♫ Tricky Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Doesn't matter about the time we take
Doesn't matter about the lies we make
Go slow
I think of how you're making me mad
I think of all the love we had
Feel so

Always question never quenching your thirst

Let me die when I lie to you first
I follow

When I'm with you it's from within
I know you can see through my skin
I'm hollow

I need you to feed me once more
I need you like I needed before
I'll grow

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying

I said you needed like I needed before
Said you need me that you meet at five
You don't show I don't I''m alive
My pulse slow
My pulse slow

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying

Liz Constantine (opera vocals in the background) & Constanza & Tricky:
I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
(repeated)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Hollow" by Tricky seem to be about a dysfunctional love relationship. The singer is expressing how he feels about the other person, and how they are making him feel frustrated and angry. He talks about how even though they lie to each other, it doesn't matter because they still have love for each other, even if it's not enough. The repetition of "Doesn't matter about the time we take, Doesn't matter about the lies we make" emphasizes the sense of desperation and the commonality of their situation.

The singer also mentions that he is always questioning, never satisfied, and that he wants the other person to betray him first so that he can die. It's as if he is conflicted about the relationship, as on the one hand he wants it to work, but on the other hand, he can't seem to let go of the pain and the bad feelings that surround it. He talks about how he feels hollow, as if there's nothing inside him, and that he needs the other person to feed him once more so that he can feel again.

The haunting background vocals of the opera singers add more depth to the song, emphasizing the feelings of loss, pain, and longing. The "I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying" becomes a sort of mantra, emphasizing the sense of duality, conflict, and helplessness that characterizes the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Doesn't matter about the time we take
The amount of time we take together is irrelevant.

Doesn't matter about the lies we make
The lies we tell each other are not important.

Go slow
We need to take our time and not rush things.

I think of how you're making me mad
Your actions are causing me to feel angry and frustrated.

I think of all the love we had
I reminisce about the love we used to share.

Feel so
Despite the negative feelings, our connection still exists.

Always question never quenching your thirst
You constantly seek more, never satisfied with what you have.

Let me die when I lie to you first
If I ever betray you, I deserve the same fate in return.

I follow
I am willing to go along with whatever you want.

When I'm with you it's from within
Our relationship is deep and meaningful.

I know you can see through my skin
You are able to understand and see me for who I really am.

I'm hollow
I feel empty and incomplete without you.

I need you to feed me once more
I require your love and attention again, like before.

I need you like I needed before
My desire for you has not diminished over time.

I'll grow
With your love, I will continue to blossom and develop.

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
My emotions are overwhelming and intense.

Said you need me that you meet at five
You promised to meet me at five, implying you still care about me.

You don't show I don't I'm alive
You did not show up, indicating that our relationship is over and I feel dead inside.

My pulse slow
My heartbeat has slowed due to the disappointment and sadness I feel.

Liz Constantine (opera vocals in the background) & Constanza & Tricky:
This section of the song features background vocals by Liz Constantine and Constanza, along with Tricky's lead vocals.

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
My intense and complex emotions continue to impact me.

I'm floating I'm flying I'm dying
My feelings continue to overwhelm me, even as I try to move on.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES SHANNON LARKIN, ROB MERRILL, SALVATORE P. ERNA, TONY ROMBOLA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS