Signs
Bloc Party Lyrics
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Bluebells in the late December, I see signs now all the time
The last time we slept together, there was something that was not there
You never wanted to alarm me but I'm the one that's drowning now
I could sleep forever these days because in my dreams I see you again
But this time fleshed out fuller face in your confirmation dress
It was so like you to visit me to let me know you were OK
At your funeral I was so upset, so upset,
In your life you were larger than this
Statuesque
I see signs now all the time that your not dead your sleeping
I believe in anything that brings you back home to me
The lyrics of Bloc Party's 'Signs' is a melancholic reflection on the loss of a loved one. The song opens with the imagery of two ravens, which are often associated with death and are believed to be messengers between the world of the living and the dead. The "one for you and one for me" line implies the presence of two spirits - one for the singer and one for the person who has passed away. The mention of bluebells in late December is another symbol of death since bluebells are typically associated with graves and cemeteries. The singer sees signs of their loved one everywhere, which brings them some solace, but they still struggle to come to terms with their loss.
The lyrics then shift to a memory of the last time the singer and their loved one were together. The line "there was something that was not there" suggests that there was some tension or distance between them even before their loved one died. The next verse describes a dream in which the loved one visits the singer, wearing their confirmation dress. This is a significant event in Catholicism and serves as a metaphor for the loved one's ascension to heaven. The singer finds comfort in this dream but is also plagued by the fact that their loved one was always worrying about others instead of themselves.
The song then ends with the singer admitting that they see signs of their loved one everywhere and that they believe in anything that could bring them back home. It's worth noting that the song's title "Signs" could refer to both the signs of death that the singer sees and the signs that they interpret as their loved one's spirit returning to them.
Line by Line Meaning
Two ravens in the old oak tree, one for you and one for me
Symbolic birds represent us, one for each of us, sitting together in the same tree, perhaps representing our relationship together.
Bluebells in the late December, I see signs now all the time
Despite the lack of springtime, there are bluebells growing in the late December, indicating that the world has not stopped turning and life goes on.
The last time we slept together, there was something that was not there
Our mutual intimacy at the end was different from how it had been, suggesting that things will never be the same again.
You never wanted to alarm me but I'm the one that's drowning now
You did not want to worry me, but now it is me who is struggling and in crisis.
I could sleep forever these days because in my dreams I see you again
I am so consumed with longing that I would be content to sleep forever, in order to exist in a dream world where you are still present.
But this time fleshed out fuller face in your confirmation dress
In my dream world, I see you in more detail, fully present and with your physical image made complete.
It was so like you to visit me to let me know you were OK
Even after death, you still maintain your concern for me, as manifested in your presence in my dreams, where you comfort me with the knowledge of your well-being.
It was so like you to visit me, always worrying about someone else
In both life and afterlife, you exhibit the same concern for others, always putting their needs before yours, even though it was not always what you needed or wanted.
At your funeral I was so upset, so upset
I was inconsolable at your funeral, completely overwhelmed by the reality of your absence.
In your life you were larger than this, statuesque
You were a person of great stature and importance, who deserved a more fitting tribute than the one you received.
I see signs now all the time that your not dead your sleeping
Every day there are omens that suggest you are not truly gone, but rather sleeping, waiting for your return.
I believe in anything that brings you back home to me
I am willing to embrace any belief or superstition that could potentially bring us back together, as I am lost without you by my side.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RUSSELL LISSACK, GORDON MOAKES, KELE OKEREKE, MATT TONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind