Braid is an American emo band from Urbana, Illinois that formed in 1993. Af… Read Full Bio ↴Braid is an American emo band from Urbana, Illinois that formed in 1993. After forming, the band went through several line-up changes but eventually settled on Bob Nanna on vocals and guitar, Todd Bell on bass, Chris Broach on guitar and vocals and Roy Ewing on drums. Roy was replaced in 1997 by Damon Atkinson. In 1999 Braid disbanded and went on to form Hey Mercedes with all band members minus Chris Broach (who went on to form The Firebird Band) and adding Mark Dawursk. The band reformed for a US tour in 2004 and, now that Hey Mercedes are defunct, apparently intend to tour sporadically. It is not yet known if Braid will be recording any more material. Roy went on to join New Ruins. Braid did a reunion tour in 2004 in the U.S.A., Canada, & Japan. In January 2011, Braid announced they would reform to record a 12" on Polyvinyl.

Fire Makes the House Grow
Braid Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

choked up and stupid
I juggled jokes
And tripped on your toes
Thought you laughed
At a longshot
Lined in rows of roses

Ten seconds
And a glance
Are yours
In the glass
I pour slow

Hey honey hold me
(I'm a baby
Slow and steady
I'm an immobile mobile)

I've found a new way
To manipulate fire
Fire
It makes the house grow

Hey honey hold me
(I'm a baby)

Overall Meaning

The song "Fire Makes the House Grow" by Braid is a thought-provoking and figurative piece about the different ways people handle their emotions. The opening lines "choked up and stupid, I juggled jokes and tripped on your toes" describe a person who is feeling overwhelmed and awkward around someone they are crushing on. They're trying to be witty and playful but end up stumbling over their own words and actions. They're trying to make their crush laugh but feel like they're failing since they're a "longshot."

As the song progresses, the lyrics become more introspective and metaphorical. The line "I've found a new way to manipulate fire, fire, it makes the house grow" expresses how the person has discovered that by harnessing their strong emotions, like fire, they can bring about big changes in their life. It could be interpreted as the person needing to channel their intense feelings to create something meaningful and positive.

The chorus, "Hey honey hold me (I'm a baby, slow and steady, I'm an immobile mobile)" brings the emotions full circle. The person who was once feeling awkward and overwhelmed is now looking for comfort and stability, wanting to be held and reassured. It's a reminder that even when we're struggling, we all need to feel loved and supported.

Line by Line Meaning

choked up and stupid
Overwhelmed and foolish

I juggled jokes
I tried to be funny

And tripped on your toes
I accidentally offended you

Thought you laughed
I mistook your discomfort for laughter

At a longshot
At an unlikely possibility

Lined in rows of roses
Presented in a charming, visually appealing way

Ten seconds
A brief moment

And a glance
A quick look

Are yours
You have my attention

In the glass
Reflected in a mirror or a drink

I pour slow
I take my time to savor the moment