Crystalline
Björk Lyrics
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Crystals grow like plants (listen how they grow)
I'm blinded by the lights (listen how they glow)
In the core of the earth (listen how they grow)
Crystalline internal nebula (crystalline)
Rocks growing slow mo (crystalline)
I conquer claustrophobia (crystalline)
We mimic the openness
Of the ones we love
Dove tail our generosity
Equalize the flow
With our hearts
We chisel quartz
To reach love
Crystalline internal nebula (crystalline)
Rocks growing slow mo (crystalline)
I conquer claustrophobia (crystalline)
And demand the lights
Octagon, polygon
Pipes up an organ
Sonic branches
Murmuring drone
Crystallizing galaxies
Spread out like my fingers
(Crystalline) internal nebula
(Crystalline) rocks growing slow mo
(Crystalline) I conquer claustrophobia
(Crystalline) and demand the lights
(Crystalline) internal nebula
(Crystalline) rocks growing slow mo
(Crystalline) I conquer claustrophobia
(Crystalline) and demand the lights
It's the sparkle you become
When you conquer anxiety
It's the sparkle you become
When you conquer anxiety
In "Crystalline," Björk explores the beauty and wonder of nature, specifically the growth of crystals. The first verse sets the stage with the image of crystals growing "like plants" underneath our feet, and the singer is "blinded by the lights" they emit. The second verse extends this metaphor, comparing crystals to an "internal nebula" within the earth, and Björk is inspired to "conquer claustrophobia" and "demand the lights" of these underground wonders.
The chorus repeats the phrase "crystalline internal nebula" and describes "rocks growing slow mo," emphasizing the slow, steady pace of the natural world. The last verse takes a turn, shifting the focus from nature to human relationships. The singer states that "we mimic the openness / of the ones we love" and "dovetail our generosity" to "reach love." As with crystals, the metaphor suggests that love can be a slow, steady growth process that requires patience and care.
Overall, "Crystalline" is a celebration of the natural world and the human capacity to explore and appreciate it. The metaphor of crystals is a striking one, capturing both the wonder and the intimacy of nature, and the song layers in additional elements of rhythm and sonic texture to create a mesmerizing listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Underneath our feet
Crystals are forming beneath us
Crystals grow like plants (listen how they grow)
Crystals form and grow just like plants, with a distinct sound that can be heard
I'm blinded by the lights (listen how they glow)
The lights from the crystals are bright and blinding, but also beautiful to listen to
In the core of the earth (listen how they grow)
The crystals are forming deep within the earth, and their growth can be heard if one listens closely
Crystalline internal nebula (crystalline)
Referring to the internal structure of the crystals as they form
Rocks growing slow mo (crystalline)
The crystals grow at a slow pace, much like rocks forming over time
I conquer claustrophobia (crystalline)
The singer overcomes their fear of enclosed spaces, perhaps inspired by the beauty of the crystals
And demand the lights
The artist wants to see the lights of the crystals even in the midst of darkness or fear
We mimic the openness
We learn from the openness of those we love, and try to be generous and open-hearted ourselves
Of the ones we love
The people we love often inspire us to be better and more open-minded
Dove tail our generosity
We match their generosity with our own, and work to keep the flow of kindness going
Equalize the flow
We work to make sure that everyone is treated equally, and that the kindness we receive is shared back out into the world
With our hearts
We give from the heart, with sincerity and warmth
We chisel quartz
We work hard to refine and perfect our expressions of love and kindness, like a sculptor carving a beautiful statue
To reach love
All of this work is done with the goal of reaching a place of unconditional love
Octagon, polygon / Pipes up an organ
This section of the song is more abstract, perhaps referring to the geometric shapes and patterns found in the natural world
Sonic branches / Murmuring drone
The sounds of the natural world are beautiful and immersive, like a comforting hum or buzz that fills the air
Crystallizing galaxies / Spread out like my fingers
The twinkling beauty of the crystals is vast and wondrous, like the expanse of a galaxy, and the singer feels connected to it all
(Crystalline) internal nebula
Repeats the earlier line, referring to the structure of the crystals as they form
(Crystalline) rocks growing slow mo
Repeats the earlier line, emphasizing the slow and patient pace of crystal formation
(Crystalline) I conquer claustrophobia
Repeats the earlier line, showing the artist's confidence in overcoming their fear
(Crystalline) and demand the lights
Repeats the earlier line, underscoring the artist's determination to see the beauty of the crystals even in the face of fear
It's the sparkle you become / When you conquer anxiety
The song ends with a repetition of the refrain, suggesting that the beauty of the crystals can be a source of strength and inspiration for those who face anxiety and fear in their lives
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bjork Gudmundsdottir
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind