In “Green Eyes,” Arlo reflects on a relationship she had with a girl. She h… Read Full Bio ↴In “Green Eyes,” Arlo reflects on a relationship she had with a girl. She highlights the struggles of the queer experience and cites the stress of homophobia from the public as well as from her partner’s parents as a reason for the relationship ending so quickly.

Arlo has stated to NME that Green Eyes is “a song about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and adolescence. It is supposed to uplift and comfort those going through hard times.”

In the song, American singer-songwriter Clairo provides uncredited work playing guitar and singing background vocals.

”I was really inspired by Frank Ocean here—particularly “Futura Free” [from 2016’s Blonde]. I was also listening to Moon Safari by Air, Stereolab, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tirzah, Beach House, and a lot of that dreamy, nostalgic pop music that I love. It was important that the instrumental carry a warmth because the song explores quite painful places in the verses. I wanted to approach this topic of self-acceptance and self-discovery, plus people’s parents not accepting them and the idea of sexuality. Understanding that you only need to focus on being yourself has been hard-won knowledge for me.” - via Apple Music

”This is a song about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and adolescence. It is supposed to uplift and comfort those going through hard times.” - NME

Green Eyes
Arlo Parks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Summer in my eyelids
Eatin' rice and beans
Paintin' Kaia's bedroom
Think she wanted green
But the weather puts you on my mind
Dragonfruit and peaches in the wine
Kissin' circles underneath your eyes

Of course I know why we lasted two months
Could not hold my hand in public
Felt their eyes judging
Our love and baying for blood
I could never blame you darling
(Oh, oh-oh-oh)

Some of these folks wanna make you cry
But you've gotta trust how you feel inside
And shine, and shine
Yeah (yeah, yeah)

I wish that your parents had been kinder to you
They made you hate what you were out of habit
Remember when they caught us making out after school
Your dad said he felt like he'd lost you

So I know why we lasted two months
Could not hold my hand in public
Felt their eyes judging
Our love and baying for blood
I could never blame you darling
(Oh, oh-oh, girl)

Some of these folks wanna make you cry
But you've gotta trust how you feel inside
And shine, and shine
Yeah (yeah, yeah)
Some of these folks wanna make you cry
But you've gotta trust how you feel inside

And shine, and shine
Yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Arlo Parks's song "Green Eyes" paint a vivid picture of a summer romance. The opening lines evoke a sense of warmth and simplicity, with the mention of summer, rice and beans, and painting a room green. The singer reminisces about the connection they had, represented by the "kissing circles underneath your eyes." However, there is a hint of sadness and longing in the lyrics as well, with the line "but the weather puts you on my mind," suggesting that the distance between them amplifies their yearning for each other.

The song then delves into the challenges faced by the couple. They couldn't express their affection openly because of the judgmental eyes of others, which made them feel isolated in their love. The lyrics convey the longing to be accepted, as the singer understands the reasons why their relationship lasted only two months. Yet, there is no blame or resentment towards their partner; instead, there is a sense of understanding and empathy.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of resilience and self-empowerment. The chorus emphasizes the importance of trusting one's own feelings and being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. The repeated phrase "and shine" symbolizes the ability to rise above the negativity and embrace one's own light.

Overall, "Green Eyes" portrays the bittersweet nature of a summer romance, highlighting the challenges faced by the couple while also celebrating their resilience and the power of self-acceptance.

Line by Line Meaning

Summer in my eyelids
Feeling the warmth and brightness associated with summer

Eatin' rice and beans
Finding comfort and simplicity in everyday meals

Paintin' Kaia's bedroom
Engaging in a creative activity for a loved one

Think she wanted green
Guessing that the person desired a green color for their bedroom

But the weather puts you on my mind
Being reminded of someone due to certain weather conditions

Dragonfruit and peaches in the wine
Enjoying a unique and flavorful combination in a drink

Kissin' circles underneath your eyes
Showing affection by placing kisses around someone's eyes

Of course I know why we lasted two months
Understanding the reasons behind a relationship lasting a specific duration

Could not hold my hand in public
Being unable to display public affection due to judgmental eyes

Felt their eyes judging
Experiencing the scrutiny and criticism from onlookers

Our love and baying for blood
Witnessing the desire of some people to harm or destroy their love

I could never blame you darling
Refusing to hold the person responsible for the difficulties they faced

Some of these folks wanna make you cry
Recognizing that some individuals aim to cause emotional pain

But you've gotta trust how you feel inside
Emphasizing the importance of trusting one's own emotions

And shine, and shine
Encouraging the person to radiate their inner light and confidence

I wish that your parents had been kinder to you
Expressing a desire for the person's parents to have treated them with more kindness

They made you hate what you were out of habit
Pointing out that the person's parents influenced them to develop self-hatred through repeated behavior

Remember when they caught us making out after school
Recollecting a moment when the person's parents discovered them engaging in intimate activities

Your dad said he felt like he'd lost you
Highlighting the father's perception of losing a connection with their child

So I know why we lasted two months
Understanding the impact of external factors on the duration of the relationship

Could not hold my hand in public
Being unable to publicly display affection due to societal judgment

Felt their eyes judging
Sensing the disapproval and scrutiny of others