The debut self-titled album by Broken Bells was released on Columbia Records on March 9, 2010. The first single from the record, "The High Road", was released on December 21, 2009.
NPR's "All Things Considered" aired an interview with the duo on March 16, 2010. A transcript of the article can be found here.
An EP, Meyrin Fields, was released on March 29, 2011.
Their second LP, After the Disco, was released on February 4, 2014.
Their third album, INTO THE BLUE, was released on October 7, 2022.
www.brokenbells.com
Shelter
Broken Bells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or losing hard in a broken world
It's like an imaginary girl
It shimmers you in your dream then leaves you cold
All my life, a place to return to
Something to hold on
Asking you now
Do you still remember
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
I want to your untie your tongue, girl
I want your love to send me right
I got myself in a world of trouble
And I can't run so I guess I'll fight
For your love, the one thing I return to
Holding so tight, I'll put it to you now
For you consideration
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
All through the night
So long, side by side
Oh, and my heart keeps falling
One more for the ride
Somehow always in time
And my heart keeps falling
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
The lyrics of Broken Bells' song "Shelter" convey feelings of longing, vulnerability, and a deep connection with someone. The song begins by describing a sense of being in touch with one's own mind, but also feeling lost and broken in a troubled world. This is likened to an imaginary girl who briefly brings joy and warmth in dreams but leaves the singer feeling cold and empty upon waking.
The first verse introduces the idea of finding solace and stability in someone or something throughout one's life. There is a desire to hold on to this source of comfort and the lyrics ask if the listener still remembers that feeling. It speaks to the longing for a place or person that provides sanctuary and support.
The chorus amplifies this longing by expressing gratitude for the moments of shelter that this person has provided. The imagery of being saved from the internal heat of life, the swelter, and the external pressure, the sun, is used. It also portrays the idea of being submerged in an overwhelming ocean, representing a state of emotional intensity. However, despite the challenges, the singer feels supported and connected, howling by their side until the new day arrives.
The second verse continues the theme of longing and expresses a desire for the love of the person being addressed in the song. The singer finds themselves in trouble but acknowledges they cannot run away, so they resolve to fight for this love instead. Again, the lyrics emphasize the importance of this love, referring to it as the one thing they always return to and hold on to tightly.
The bridge depicts a continuous and devoted connection, with the singers staying side by side through the night. The heart keeps "falling," suggesting a sense of vulnerability and being emotionally invested in the relationship. Despite the ups and downs, the connection remains resilient and somehow always in time.
The final chorus reinforces the appreciation for the shelter provided by the person being addressed. The image of being howling by their side until the morning comes symbolizes the enduring support and comfort they bring. It could also imply that the challenges faced will eventually be overcome, with a new day heralding hope and renewal.
Overall, the lyrics of "Shelter" capture a profound longing for a deep emotional connection, the vulnerability that comes with love, and the comfort found in someone who provides shelter from the difficulties and tumult of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mind is in touch now, baby
You have finally become aware of your own thoughts and feelings, my love.
Or losing hard in a broken world
Perhaps you are struggling and feeling defeated in a world that is fractured and damaged.
It's like an imaginary girl
It feels as if the person you desire and long for is only a figment of your imagination.
It shimmers you in your dream then leaves you cold
They appear enchanting and captivating in your dreams, but when you wake up, the feeling fades away, leaving you feeling empty and alone.
All my life, a place to return to
Throughout my entire existence, you have been my constant sanctuary, my safe haven.
Something to hold on
A source of strength and stability that I can rely on.
Asking you now
Seeking an answer from you, my love.
Do you still remember
Are those cherished memories still alive in your mind?
I want to your untie your tongue, girl
I yearn to help you overcome your hesitations and express yourself freely, my dear.
I want your love to send me right
Your love has the power to guide me onto the right path and bring me fulfillment.
I got myself in a world of trouble
I have found myself in a challenging and difficult situation.
And I can't run so I guess I'll fight
I am unable to escape, so I must gather my strength to confront and overcome the difficulties.
For your love, the one thing I return to
Above all else, it is your love that I keep coming back to, seeking solace and comfort.
Holding so tight, I'll put it to you now
Clutching on tightly to this love, I express my feelings to you honestly and sincerely.
For you consideration
As a request for your careful thought and contemplation.
All through the night
Throughout the entire night, without interruption.
So long, side by side
We have been together for a significant period of time, supporting each other.
Oh, and my heart keeps falling
My heart continues to fall deeper in love with you.
One more for the ride
Let's experience one more adventure or journey together.
Somehow always in time
No matter what happens, we always manage to be in sync and in harmony.
And my heart keeps falling
Once again, my heart is overwhelmed with love.
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Every single instance in which you provided me with refuge and protection.
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Away from the scorching heat and discomfort, you rescued me.
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Into a vast and overwhelming ocean, navigating through turbulent moments.
Howling by your side
Standing by your side, expressing our emotions together.
Until the morning comes
Until the dawn breaks and a new day begins.
Until the morning comes
Until the morning arrives, signifying a fresh start.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Burton, James Mercer, Jay Mumford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paulo Henrique Ganso
Your mind is in touch now, baby
Or losing hard in a broken world
It's like an imaginary girl
It shimmers you in your dream then leaves you cold
All my life, a place to return to
Something to hold on
Asking you now
Do you still remember
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
I want to your untie your tongue, girl
I want your love to send me right
I got myself in a world of trouble
And I can't run so I guess I'll fight
For your love, the one thing I return to
Holding so tight, I'll put it to you now
For you consideration
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
All through the night
So long, side by side
Oh, and my heart keeps falling
One more for the ride
Somehow always in time
And my heart keeps falling
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
Comatorium
Am I losing touch now, baby
Or losing heart in a broken world
It’s like an imaginary girl
It shimmers you in your dream then leaves you cold
All my life, a place to return to
Something to hold
I'm asking you now
Do you still remember?
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
I want to untie your tongue, girl
I want your love to set me right
I got myself in a world of trouble
And I can't run so I guess I'll fight
For your love, the one thing I return to
Holding so tight, I’ll put it to you now
For you consideration
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
All through the night
So long, side by side
Oh, and my heart keeps falling
One more for the ride
Somehow always in time
And my heart keeps falling
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
Paulo Henrique Ganso
Your mind is in touch now, baby
Or losing hard in a broken world
It's like an imaginary girl
It shimmers you in your dream then leaves you cold
All my life, a place to return to
Something to hold on
Asking you now
Do you still remember
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
I want to your untie your tongue, girl
I want your love to send me right
I got myself in a world of trouble
And I can't run so I guess I'll fight
For your love, the one thing I return to
Holding so tight, I'll put it to you now
For you consideration
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
All through the night
So long, side by side
Oh, and my heart keeps falling
One more for the ride
Somehow always in time
And my heart keeps falling
All of those moments you gave me shelter
Out of the swelter, out of the sun
Into an ocean, under the high tide
Howling by your side
Until the morning comes
Until the morning comes
Jeanne Morris
Thank you kind soul for the lyrics ........ I was fortunate to see the Shins and Broken Bells a few times while living in Boston
Samantha K.
Thank you
Garret Bradley
My pants are getting tighter.
TheeeMusicalHooligan
You da real MVP
Bx Blondie
Suárez está em todos Lugares só ler os comentários love this song.
Juniper
I didn’t realise how much I’d forgotten myself until broken bells resurfaced and I was vividly thrown back to my teenage years of great music and introspection. Thank you for reminding me
Dimitar Iliev
same here ... thank you!
SapphirePanorama
Everything about this song just goes to my soul..the music and vocals and writing - it perfectly connects.
Karl Boson
I'm so happy to exist at the right time in history to hear this song.