IV
Echoes and Signals Lyrics


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I'd rather have you against me than against me
I throw words in the air, to see what flies
To see what flies
But most of what I say to you
Does a downward spiral
And then it just dies
And it's fine
Till I'm on fire
You don't hear me
Won't hear me
Won't listen or speak
And I scream
And I beg
Your irrational grip on resentments
Has me playing against
Things in my head
And it's fine
Till I'm on fire
And it's fine
It's just fine
Till I'm on fire
And it's fine
I'm just fine
I'd rather have you against me than against me, you refuse to touch
Makes me feel
I'm no good, not worth time, not worth love, it's wiggled free from my clutch
And it's fine
Till I'm on fire
I'm on fire
And it's fine
It's fine
Till I'm on fire
And it's fine
I'm fine
Till I'm on
Fire
Thank the gods for serenity, for laughter, wonder, and for grace
And restraint
It keeps me in check, so I don't fall, don't fall, don't fall, fall from grace
And I'm fine
Till I'm on fire
And it's fine
I'm just fine
Till I'm on fire
And it's fine
I'm just fine




Till I'm on fire
Fire

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "IV" by Echoes and Signals explore a complex and tumultuous relationship dynamic, highlighting themes of conflict, resentment, self-worth, and the struggle for emotional balance. The opening line, "I'd rather have you against me than against me," sets the tone for the internal conflict the singer is experiencing. They express a preference for direct confrontation rather than feeling ignored or dismissed by their partner. The singer acknowledges their own tendency to use words to provoke a reaction, but often find that their attempts only lead to frustration and a sense of hopelessness.


The repeated refrain of "And it's fine till I'm on fire" conveys a sense of simmering tension and internal turmoil that eventually reaches a breaking point. The singer feels unheard and unseen by their partner, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of losing their grasp on the relationship. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the imagery of being on fire, symbolizing intense emotional distress and volatility.


The line "Makes me feel I'm no good, not worth time, not worth love" delves into the singer's insecurities and feelings of unworthiness in the relationship. They feel that their partner's refusal to engage or show affection reinforces these negative self-perceptions, causing a profound sense of isolation and despair. Despite these overwhelming emotions, the singer acknowledges moments of gratitude for finding peace and stability in other aspects of life.


The closing lines express a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the singer acknowledges the cyclical nature of their emotional struggles. The repeated use of "Till I'm on fire" serves as a powerful metaphor for the intensity of their emotional turmoil, while also hinting at a continuous cycle of conflict and resolution. Overall, the lyrics of "IV" delve deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, portraying a deeply personal journey of introspection and resilience in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd rather have you against me than against me
I prefer to have your opposition rather than your indifference


I throw words in the air, to see what flies
I express myself freely to see how you react


To see what flies
To observe what resonates with you


But most of what I say to you
However, most of my words seem to have a negative effect


Does a downward spiral
Result in a negative outcome


And then it just dies
And then the communication ceases


And it's fine
Although it's disappointing, I accept it


Till I'm on fire
Until I reach a breaking point


You don't hear me
You fail to understand my perspective


Won't hear me
Refuse to listen to me


Won't listen or speak
Choose not to engage or communicate


And I scream
I express my frustration loudly


And I beg
I plead for your attention


Your irrational grip on resentments
Your unreasonable hold on past grievances


Has me playing against
Leads me to act against my own interests


Things in my head
Internal conflicts


I'd rather have you against me than against me, you refuse to touch
I'd rather face conflict than your avoidance


Makes me feel
Causes me to feel


I'm no good, not worth time, not worth love, it's wiggled free from my clutch
I doubt my self-worth and feel unloved, slipping from my grip


Thank the gods for serenity, for laughter, wonder, and for grace
Expressing gratitude for peace, joy, and a sense of awe


And restraint
And self-control


It keeps me in check, so I don't fall, don't fall, don't fall, fall from grace
Prevents me from losing my composure or moral standing




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jax Mendro

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@secludedmisfit

Wonderfully melancholic.

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