Le Bon is singled out by critics for her "beautiful, haunting voice". She described writing and performing music as "important to me, it's just an expression and sometimes it's not necessary to moralise it". Le Bon claimed that "early experiences with a string of pet deaths had a profound lasting effect on me" and informed her initial self-admitted "abnormal fixation with death". She describes her lyric writing as "foraging for [the right] words and then everything falls into place".
Dirt on the Bed
Cate le Bon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as you are
Reaching without watching
The switches on the wall
Sound doesn't go away
In habitual silence
It reinvents the surface
As you mouth my name
I'm older than glass
I'm kicking at the corner
Recycling air
Dirt on the bed (here)
Dirt on the bed (here, here)
For all I know
I might not suffer
A resurrection
That's always been true
On repeat
Without a function
And no confession
Recycling air
Dirt on the bed (here)
Dirt on the bed (here, here)
Dirt on the bed (here)
Dirt on the bed (here, here)
In "Dirt on the Bed," Cate le Bon explores themes of self-acceptance, the power of sound, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics convey a sense of trust and embracing oneself as they are, without reservation. The line "Trust in love, just as you are" suggests that love should be built on acceptance and authenticity. The image of reaching without watching the switches on the wall implies a willingness to explore and take risks without being hindered by fear or doubt.
The lyrics also highlight the transformative power of sound. While silence is often associated with the absence of sound, the song suggests that sound never truly disappears but rather reinvents the surface of everything it touches. This notion speaks to the idea that even in moments of stillness, there is an underlying energy and potential for change.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more introspective. The line "I'm older than glass, I'm kicking at the corner" reflects a sense of restlessness and a desire to break free from stagnation. The mention of recycling air suggests a longing for freshness and renewal.
The repeated phrase "Dirt on the bed" may symbolize the complexities and imperfections that exist within intimate relationships. It hints at the messiness of love and the emotional baggage that can accumulate over time. Despite this, the song offers a glimmer of hope, acknowledging that resurrection and transformation are possibilities, even if they may not always be realized.
Overall, "Dirt on the Bed" explores themes of self-acceptance, the power of sound, and the cyclical nature of life, ultimately conveying a message of embracing oneself and finding beauty in the imperfections.
Line by Line Meaning
Trust in love
Have faith in the power and strength of love
Just as you are
Accept yourself for who you truly are
Reaching without watching
Striving for something without paying attention to the consequences
The switches on the wall
The choices and decisions that can be made
Sound doesn't go away
The impact of words and sounds remain present
In habitual silence
In the usual quiet moments that define our lives
It reinvents the surface
It transforms the exterior appearance
Of everything you touch
Of all the things you come into contact with
As you mouth my name
When you silently utter my name
I'm older than glass
I have experienced more than what can be seen through glass
I'm kicking at the corner
I'm resisting confinement and seeking freedom
Recycling air
Repeating the same patterns of behavior
Dirt on the bed (here)
The presence of mess or imperfections in your personal space
Dirt on the bed (here, here)
Multiple instances of dirt or untidiness on the bed
For all I know
Based on my current understanding
I might not suffer
I may not experience pain or hardship
A resurrection
A revival or rebirth
That's always been true
That has remained a consistent reality
On repeat
Repeating the same cycle or pattern
Without a function
Lacking a purpose or clear role
And no confession
Without admitting or revealing the truth
Recycling air
Repeating the same patterns of behavior
Dirt on the bed (here)
The presence of mess or imperfections in your personal space
Dirt on the bed (here, here)
Multiple instances of dirt or untidiness on the bed
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Cate Le Bon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
paul kelly
I didn’t think it was possible to make a better record than Reward, I was wrong. What a song this is. What an album Pompeii is. Cate Le Bon is a legitimate musical genius.
telephonepolaroids
I've been camping year round. I can relate!
David James
Lov'in it, I'll be adding my comments on the Pilots PodBlast Fri 18th of March.