The reference of the partridge, a gallinaceous bird, in the title could refer to a verse of the Bible; Jeremiah 17 : 11 states:
"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool."
The partridge most likely refers to her partner, who only benefits from Clairo’s love and affection, without giving anything in return.
Partridge
Clairo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
You move in your ways without a law
And I'll force you to feel the weight I'm standing on
As I watch you fall awake and ask, "What's wrong?
Did I really miss all the work you've done?"
(All the work I've done)
Calling someone else is only harder
I'll explain myself again
Take the chance on someone's daughter
She makes me feel like I'm the best
The only time I see you smile
Is after hours or the finish line
But bring yourself to the edge
Of the cliff
And look upon
The animals who awake before us at dawn
(All the work they've done)
Comfortable, unmotivated always
Seeking other stories other memories
I'm sorry I have to hold you longer than you expected
It's only temporary
I'll let you walk and make your own discovery
That one of these days, I know that you might come back to me
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Clairo's song "Partridge" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of a relationships and the struggle to maintain a balance between one's own needs and the needs of a partner. The song begins with a haunting melody of "ooh's" which set the tone for the introspective nature of the song. The first verse speaks of the singer's observation of their partner who moves about without any principles, while the singer tries to impose their own principles on their partner.
The following lines allude to the loss of harmony between the two as the relationship becomes sour. The singer notes that their partner seems to be oblivious to all the work they have done in the relationship. The chorus is melancholic yet hopeful as Clairo says "Take the chance on someone’s daughter, She makes me feel like I’m the best." Here, she suggests that the relationship can still be salvaged if both parties work together.
The second verse talks about the stark differences in the couple's personalities. The singer seems to be stuck in a comfort zone while the partner is motivated but also erratic. The singer reconciles that they have been holding their partner back and it's time to let them go and make their own discoveries. The song ends with a repeat of the first section with an emphasis on the "ooh's" which signifies hope and resilience.
Overall, Clairo's "Partridge" explores the fragility of relationships and the challenges that come with holding onto someone, even when it's time to let go.
Line by Line Meaning
You move in your ways without a law
You have your own unique way of doing things, disregarding any rules or instructions.
And I'll force you to feel the weight I'm standing on
I will make you recognize and understand the impact and weight of my actions and emotions.
But the perfect harmony is lost
Our relationship or connection used to be perfect, but now it is broken and no longer harmonious.
As I watch you fall awake and ask, "What's wrong?
Observing you wake up, I noticed that you are troubled and I am curious as to what the problem is.
Did I really miss all the work you've done?"
Am I truly oblivious to all the effort and work you have put into something?
Calling someone else is only harder
Reaching out to someone else is not easier than communicating with you.
I'll explain myself again
I will reiterate myself and provide clarification for my previous statements or actions.
Take the chance on someone's daughter
Take a risk on someone's daughter, who could potentially be a good match or fit for you
She makes me feel like I'm the best
She boosts my confidence and makes me feel valued and important.
The only time I see you smile
I only notice you being happy during certain times or under certain conditions.
Is after hours or the finish line
You only seem to be happy or content once everything is done and finished.
But bring yourself to the edge
Push yourself to your limit or a point of potential danger or fear.
Of the cliff
The edge or brink of a cliff, representing a place of risk or uncertainty.
And look upon
Take a moment to observe or reflect on something.
The animals who awake before us at dawn
Observe the animals who are awake and active before humans are up and active in the morning.
(All the work they've done)
All the effort and work the animals have put into their daily routines or survival.
Comfortable, unmotivated always
You are content with being in a state of complacency and lack the drive or motivation to do more or be better.
Seeking other stories other memories
You are searching for new experiences and memories outside of our current relationship or situation.
I'm sorry I have to hold you longer than you expected
I apologize for keeping you longer than you anticipated or planned for.
It's only temporary
Our current situation is not permanent and will eventually come to an end.
I'll let you walk and make your own discovery
I will allow you to explore and make your own revelations or realizations.
That one of these days, I know that you might come back to me
I acknowledge that there is a chance you may return to me someday, despite our current separation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Claire E Cottrill, Jack Michael Antonoff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@princesligsay3778
"Partridge"
You move in your ways without a law
And I'll force you to feel the weight I'm standing on
But the perfect harmony is lost
As I watch you fall awake and ask, "What's wrong?
Did I really miss all the work you've done?"
(All the work I've done)
Calling someone else is only harder
I'll explain myself again
Take the chance on someone's daughter
She makes me feel like I'm the best
The only time I see you smile
Is after hours or the finish line
But bring yourself to the edge
Of the cliff
And look upon
The animals who wake before us at dawn
(All the work they've done)
Comfortable, unmotivated always
Seeking other stories other memories
I'm sorry I have to hold you longer than you expected
It's only temporary
I'll let you walk and make your own discovery
That one of these days, I know that you might come back to me
@tokyoberlin5049
You move in your ways without a law
And I'll force you to feel the weight I'm standing on
But the perfect harmony is lost
As I watch you fall awake and ask
"What's wrong? Did I really miss all the work you've done?"
All the work I've done
Calling someone else is only harder
I'll explain myself again
Take the chance on someone's daughter
She makes me feel like I'm the best
The only time I see you smile
Is after hours or the finish line
But bring yourself to the еdge
Of the cliff and look upon
The animals who will wakе before us at dawn
All the work they've done
Comfortable, unmotivated always
Seeking other stories other memories
I'm sorry I have to hold you longer than you expected
It's only temporary
I'll let you walk and make your own discovery
That one of these days, I know that you might come back to me
@ctpowers9
Clairo songs are always the best when it’s dark outside and you room is only lit up by a single candle ✨
@spicymeatball6929
omggg
@nuritgeller3357
YES
@mangokraken
i picture a cloudy rainy day with a pink neon light sign lighting the room.
@camiaceves5460
I DO THIS ALL THE TIME
@yosuke654
@@mangokraken OH MY GOD EXACTLY THE NOSTALGIAA
@faustinedemidgard1101
Every song of the album could fit in a indie/ coming-of-age movie 😭
@princesligsay3778
"Partridge"
You move in your ways without a law
And I'll force you to feel the weight I'm standing on
But the perfect harmony is lost
As I watch you fall awake and ask, "What's wrong?
Did I really miss all the work you've done?"
(All the work I've done)
Calling someone else is only harder
I'll explain myself again
Take the chance on someone's daughter
She makes me feel like I'm the best
The only time I see you smile
Is after hours or the finish line
But bring yourself to the edge
Of the cliff
And look upon
The animals who wake before us at dawn
(All the work they've done)
Comfortable, unmotivated always
Seeking other stories other memories
I'm sorry I have to hold you longer than you expected
It's only temporary
I'll let you walk and make your own discovery
That one of these days, I know that you might come back to me
@farishajazrill4267
thank youuuuu :p
@minhasmusicas7302
Thank u <3