Shivers
Dirty Three and Nick Cave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it really doesn't suit my style,
So I think I'll just act bored instead
Who can take (alt: and contain) the blood I would've shed?
She makes me feel so ugly (alt: so weary) (alt: so ill at ease)
My heart is really on it's knees
But I keep a poker face so well
That even mother couldn't tell
She is almost a mirror
And the sound of her name
Sends a permanent shiver down my
Spine
I keep her photograph against my heart
For in my life she plays a starring part
All alcohol and cigarettes
There is no room for cheap regrets
But my baby's so vain
She is almost a mirror
And the sound of her name
Sends a permanent shiver down my
Spine
She makes me feel so ugly
My heart is really on it's knees
But I keep a poker face so well
That even mother couldn't tell
But my baby's so vain
She is almost a mirror
And the sound of her name
Sends a perennial shiver down my
Spiii-yi-yiiii-yi-yiiii-yi-yiyiyi-ine
The lyrics of Dirty Three and Nick Cave's "Shivers" depict a person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts but decides that it doesn't suit their style. Instead of being visibly upset, they choose to act bored in front of others. The singer's love interest makes them feel inadequate, and they keep a photo of their beloved close to their heart, as they play a significant role in their life. The constant reminder of their partner's vanity causes the singer to feel ugly and vulnerable, yet they manage to keep their emotions in check in front of even their mother. The sound of their love interest's name sends shivers down their spine, emphasizing the singer's conflicting emotions.
The song's haunting melody and melancholic lyrics lend itself to a storytelling vibe that encapsulates the concept of pain felt internally but not displayed externally. The tale told in the song is both universal and timeless, as it delves into the complexities of love and insecurity.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been contemplating suicide,
I've been considering taking my own life
But it really doesn't suit my style,
But suicide doesn't fit in with who I am
So I think I'll just act bored instead
So I'll pretend to be disinterested
Who can take (alt: and contain) the blood I would've shed?
Who can deal with the consequences of my death?
She makes me feel so ugly (alt: so weary) (alt: so ill at ease)
She makes me feel unattractive (alternatively: exhausted or uncomfortable)
My heart is really on it's knees
I'm emotionally exhausted
But I keep a poker face so well
But I hide my true feelings very effectively
That even mother couldn't tell
So even my mother wouldn't know the truth
But my baby's so vain
But my lover is obsessed with herself
She is almost a mirror
She's so similar to me it's eerie
And the sound of her name
Just hearing her name
Sends a permanent shiver down my Spine
Gives me a permanent feeling of dread
I keep her photograph against my heart
I keep a picture of her close to my chest
For in my life she plays a starring part
Because she's a central figure in my life
All alcohol and cigarettes
All I have in my life is alcohol and cigarettes
There is no room for cheap regrets
I don't have time for meaningless remorse
And the sound of her name
Just hearing her name
Sends a permanent shiver down my Spine
Gives me a permanent feeling of dread
She makes me feel so ugly
She makes me feel unattractive
My heart is really on it's knees
I'm emotionally exhausted
But I keep a poker face so well
But I hide my true feelings very effectively
That even mother couldn't tell
So even my mother wouldn't know the truth
But my baby's so vain
But my lover is obsessed with herself
She is almost a mirror
She's so similar to me it's eerie
And the sound of her name
Just hearing her name
Sends a perennial shiver down my Spiii-yi-yiiii-yi-yiiii-yi-yiyi-ine
Gives me a long-lasting feeling of dread
Lyrics © Mute Song Limited, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Rowland Howard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samuelfonseca7240
I'd die for a studio version of this.
@JaredGammel
Plenty of people know this is a Rowland Howard song, who was also a member of The Boys Next Door.
I always liked Nick preforming it.
@jformaldehydem
I always thought he wrote it as a member of Birthday Party?
@philipcucinella5876
He was in The Young Charlatans 1st. And recorded it with them in 1978. I just found that on YouTube.
@bernhardsart
Beautiful!!!!!
@bobbobster1973
Possibly the best version ever!!!!!!!!!!!!
@malibumut
Just Brilliant....
@bobbobster1973
yup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@bobbobster1973
the original is by The Young Charlatans!!!!!!!!
@NodarNatelashvili
what the pic on the video? . i want in HD . please help to find. thx