Killer
Bridgers Phoebe Lyrics
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Scared you in your house
I even scared myself by talking
About Dahmer on your couch
But I can't sleep next to a body
Even harmless in death
Plus I'm pretty sure I'd miss you
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
Is there nothing left to do for us?
I am sick of the chase
But I'm hungry for blood
And there's nothing I can do
But when I'm sick and tired
And when my mind is barely there
When a machine keeps me alive
And I'm losing all my hair
I hope you kiss my rotten head
And pull the plug
Know that I've burned every playlist
And I've given all my love
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
I know there's something waiting for us
I am sick of the chase
But I'm stupid in love
And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can do
"Killer" by Phoebe Bridgers is a hauntingly introspective song that delves into the complexities of love, fear, and self-destruction. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who struggles with their own dark tendencies, comparing themselves to a killer. They acknowledge the power they hold in their hands to scare others, possibly even causing harm, both physically and emotionally. This is exemplified by the reference to infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and the discomfort it brings to the person they are with on the couch.
However, despite this dark self-awareness, the singer also reveals their vulnerability and desire for emotional connection. They admit that even in death, they would miss the person they are addressing in the song. The line "faking sleep to count your breath" suggests a longing to be close to them, to cherish their presence and be in tune with every heartbeat.
As the song progresses, the singer's internal struggle becomes more prominent. They question whether the darkness within them can coexist with the fire and passion within their partner. The repetition of the line "Can the killer in me tame the fire in you?" highlights their fear of potentially causing harm or destroying the very thing they cherish.
The second verse takes a different tone, exploring themes of illness, vulnerability, and mortality. The singer reflects on a time when they are physically weakened, perhaps due to sickness. They envision themselves on life support, with their partner by their side. They express the desire for their partner to show them love and compassion, even in the most difficult and heartbreaking moments. The act of "pulling the plug" is a metaphorical gesture of letting go, understanding that their time is coming to an end.
Overall, the song delves into the complexities of love, vulnerability, and the struggle to navigate one's own darkness while longing for connection. It speaks to the conflicting emotions that arise when facing the possibility of causing harm to loved ones, as well as the desire to be loved and understood despite those inner demons.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I think I'm a killer
Occasionally, I perceive myself as someone with the potential to cause harm or even take a life
Scared you in your house
I made you feel frightened and threatened within the confines of your own home
I even scared myself by talking
My own words and actions frightened me, causing me to question my own intentions
About Dahmer on your couch
I discussed the notorious serial killer Dahmer while sitting on your couch, adding to the unsettling atmosphere
But I can't sleep next to a body
I am unable to find peace or rest when lying next to a lifeless corpse
Even harmless in death
Even if the deceased person poses no threat, their mere presence in a lifeless state disturbs me
Plus I'm pretty sure I'd miss you
Moreover, I am fairly certain that I would long for your presence and companionship
And faking sleep to count your breath
I pretend to be asleep, secretly monitoring your breathing as a way to feel connected and reassured
Can the killer in me
Is it possible for the dark, harmful tendencies within me
Tame the fire in you?
To control or suppress the intense passion and desire within you?
Is there nothing left to do for us?
Are we left with no possible solutions or actions to take regarding our relationship?
I am sick of the chase
I am tired of the pursuit or the constant search for something in our relationship
But I'm hungry for blood
Nevertheless, I still have a strong craving or desire for intensity, even if it may be destructive
And there's nothing I can do
Despite acknowledging my situation, I feel powerless and unable to change it
But when I'm sick and tired
However, during moments when I am exhausted and overwhelmed
And when my mind is barely there
And when my mental state is barely functioning or coherent
When a machine keeps me alive
When a medical device is necessary to sustain my life
And I'm losing all my hair
And I am experiencing significant hair loss, possibly due to illness or medical treatments
I hope you kiss my rotten head
I desire that you show affection by kissing my deteriorating, decaying head
And pull the plug
I want you to make the decision to disconnect life support, ending my suffering
Know that I've burned every playlist
Understand that I have deliberately destroyed or discarded every carefully curated collection of songs we once shared
And I've given all my love
And I have given my complete and utmost love to you
I know there's something waiting for us
I have a strong belief that there is a significant future or destiny waiting for both of us
I am sick of the chase
I am tired of the pursuit or the constant search for something in our relationship
But I'm stupid in love
Nevertheless, I am foolishly and blindly in love
And there's nothing I can do
And I feel utterly helpless, with no control or ability to change the circumstances
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Phoebe Lucille Bridgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ozan6562
Sometimes I think I'm a killer
Scared you in your house
Even scared myself by talking
About Dahmer on your couch
But I can't sleep next to a body
Even harmless in death
Plus I'm pretty sure I'd miss you
And faking sleep to count your breath
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
Is there nothing left to do for us?
I am sick of the chase
But I'm hungry for blood
And there's nothing I can do
But when I'm sick and tired
When my mind is barely there
When a machine keeps me alive
And I'm losing all my hair
I hope you kiss my rotten head
And pull the plug
Know that I've burned every playlist
And given all my love
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
I know there's something waiting for us
I am sick of the chase
But I'm stupid in love
And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can do
@antoniavergara6288
[Verse 1]
Sometimes I think I'm a killer
Scared you in your house
Even scared myself by talking
About Dahmer on your couch
[Verse 2]
But I can't sleep next to a body
Even harmless in death
Plus I'm pretty sure I'd miss you
Faking sleep to count your breath
[Chorus 1]
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
Is there nothing left to do for us?
I am sick of the chase
But I'm hungry for blood
And there's nothing I can do
[Verse 3]
But when I'm sick and tired
When my mind is barely there
When a machine keeps me alive
And I'm losing all my hair
[Verse 4]
I hope you kiss my rotten head
And pull the plug
Know that I've burned every playlist
And given all my love
[Chorus 2]
Can the killer in me
Tame the fire in you?
I know there's something waiting for us
I am sick of the chase
But I'm stupid in love
And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can do
@tessaviolet
I love this song so much
@okayokaynowkids7673
Hi
@yesitisolga3557
yeah
@paulheptinstall3838
Beautiful ❤️
@dirigibleplumm5797
Wow, and I love your music so much too!
@jg9253
YES TESSA
@allyross2069
"I'm sick of the chase, but I'm stupid in love, and there's nothing I can do." damn.
@deboraborges4372
"But I can't sleep next to a body, even harmless in death. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'd miss you, and faking sleep to count your breath." Argh, her mind.
@eleegee
I know some people think it’s meaningless to speculate about which music you would want played at your funeral, because when you’re dead, you’re dead. But I honestly, really want this song to be played at my funeral. It makes me feel things I can’t explain, all of Phoebe’s music does. It’s absolutely beautiful. The part where she sings about death always gets me. “I hope you kiss my rotten head and pull the plug, now that I’ve burned every playlist. I’ve given all my love.”
You’re absolutely amazing Phoebe.
@jasminebrown7855
I'm currently enrolled in a theology class at my university called Death and Dying and one of my assignments this week was to plan my funeral/memorial. I had to choose which one I preferred, whether I want a visitation, what I want done with my body, choose what hymns and/or music I want to be played, choose any scriptures I'd like to have read, and also state my reasoning for the hymns music and scriptures I selected. I also had to complete an assignment detailing my wishes were I to become mentally/physically incapable of caring for myself and if I were to become terminally ill. I had to choose who I'd give my power of attorney to, whether I wanted to remain in my home with full time caregivers, with a family member and supplemental caregivers, or in a nursing home. I had to decide whether or not I wanted hospice services, if I would elect to die with dignity via physician assisted suicide if I had 6 months or less to live, decide whether or not I wanted various treatments to keep me alive longer, and also I had to detail any other final wishes I may have. The final assignment for this week is to compose my own obituary which I am in the process of writing. It's quite an interesting class. I think a lot of people would be disturbed by the coursework but I am enjoying the class.