Bones
Editors Lyrics


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How can you always be late for your arrival?
You know I'd forgive you every single time

Retreat, retreat, I've fallen at the low tide
Oh, retreat, retreat and meet me by the quayside

In the end all you can hope for
Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through

Are your eyes showing off for mine?
Your face in my hands is everything good I need

The system's put in place, put there to protect us
For you I'd throw a lifeline every time

Oh, retreat, retreat, I've fallen at the low tide
Now retreat, retreat and meet me by the quayside

In the end all you can hope for
Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through

Are your eyes showing off for mine?
Your face in my hands is everything good I need

Bones starved of flesh surround an aching heart
Full of love

Oh, bones, starved of flesh surround your aching heart
Full of love

Bones starved of flesh surround your aching heart

Bones

Oh bones

I watch as your eyes show off for mine
I watch as your eyes show off




I watch as your eyes show off for mine
I watch as your eyes show off

Overall Meaning

The song "Bones" by Editors is a powerful portrayal of love and the pain that comes with it. In the first couplet, the singer questions their partner's tardiness and expresses their forgiving nature towards them, without any resentment. The reference to "retreat" in the next two lines suggests that both the singer and the partner are aware of the challenges they face in the relationship that is under strain, and seeking a moment of respite. The repetition of "retreat" and "by the quayside" lays emphasis on the need to retreat and connect from the world to start anew.


The second verse sets the underlying theme of the song: the paradox of love is that it has the capacity to cause pain, yet we hope the love we feel will surpass the pain we endure. The singer acknowledges the system put in place to protect us, but promises their partner an unconditional lifeline. The chorus is a repetition of the sentiment that love can override the pain: the bones that surround the heart, starved of flesh, nonetheless are full of love. The song concludes with the singer watching their partner's eyes show off for them, suggesting that love has the ability to provide solace in times of distress.


Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of hope and willingness to work through the troubles that arise in a relationship. The singer is not afraid to admit to the pain and difficulties that the relationship brings but continues to believe that love will conquer all. The poignant and evocative lyrics make "Bones" one of Editor's most emotionally charged tracks.


Line by Line Meaning

How can you always be late for your arrival?
Why are you always running late and not arriving on time?


You know I'd forgive you every single time
I am always willing to forgive you, no matter how many times you are late.


Retreat, retreat, I've fallen at the low tide
I feel defeated and need to escape from this situation.


Oh, retreat, retreat and meet me by the quayside
Let's meet by the water to escape from our problems together.


In the end all you can hope for
At the end of everything, all we can expect is


Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through
for the pain we go through in our lives, the love we experience should make up for it all.


Your face in my hands is everything good I need
Just holding your face in my hands brings me all the positivity I need in life.


The system's put in place, put there to protect us
The rules that are in place are meant to save us and keep us protected.


For you I'd throw a lifeline every time
Whenever you need help, I'm always ready to support you.


Bones starved of flesh surround an aching heart
The remains of my heart are surrounded by emptiness.


Full of love
But it is filled with love.


Oh, bones, starved of flesh surround your aching heart
Your heart too is surrounded by emptiness.


Bones starved of flesh surround your aching heart
Your heart too is surrounded by emptiness.


Oh bones
Emphasizes the emptiness and pain that surrounds the heart.


I watch as your eyes show off for mine
I am captivated by how your eyes shine.


I watch as your eyes show off
I can't help but watch as your eyes mesmerize me.


I watch as your eyes show off for mine
My eyes are the only ones they are showing off for, and it's amazing.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOEL MA, COREY JAMES MCGREGOR, PHILIP ERIC NORMAN, JAKE DOMINIC SAVONA, GRANT HANSON SMITH, ROBERT MARC DOUGLAS SOLA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Christian Schunke

How can you always be late for your arrival?
You know I'd forgive you every single time

Retreat, retreat
I've fallen at the low tide
Oh retreat, retreat
And meet me by the quayside

In the end all you can hope for
Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through

Are your eyes showing off for mine
Your face in my hands is everything that I need

The system's put in place, put there to protect us
For you I'd throw a lifeline every time

Oh Retreat, retreat
I've fallen at the low tide
Now retreat, retreat
And meet me by the quayside

In the end all you can hope for
Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through

Are your eyes showing off for mine
Your face in my hands is everything that I need

Bones, starved of flesh
Surround your aching heart
Full of love

Oh bones, starved of flesh
Surround your aching heart
Full of love

Bones, starved of flesh
Surround your aching heart

Bones

Oh bones

I watch as your eyes show off for mine
I watch as your eyes show off
I watch as your eyes show off for mine
I watch as your eyes show off



All comments from YouTube:

I M M X R T A L

14 years ago I was 15, now I am 29 and this song still punch me in the face. But when I was young it was an "energetic" punch. Punch with some sort of "power" I wanted dance. But I didn't understand lyrics. And now it is "nostalgic" punch. Its going deep in me. Now I can hear what he is singing and its touch my soul. Touch my BONES. And I really feel my aching heart. And only hope left. Yes you may say, 29 yo its not over. But I'm never gonna be 15/18/21/25 again. And this song man.. I dont want to dance anymore. I want to cry. But still grateful. For all of that years I came through. Thanks a lot Editors and other great music bands that always with me.

MissieK

Don't worry. You will reach the point were you will dance at this song and have tears in your eyes at the same time.

04nbod

We'll never be 'young' again. That fire is lost. It was fun though wasn't it? To feel like that.

Madz

Arrepia até a alma

Victor

Sim

spinneB

I´ve seen them live 3 times and they´re absolutely awesome. They even sound better live (if possible) Tom is an amazing singer and performer

kitaliente

The Editors are amazing. This is probably one of their best songs. Not their best video tho. I love this song. (: Its downright amazing. ♥

MrEjemploanonimo

I always come back to this song after a couple breaks up or a friendship ends... The line "In the end all you can hope for, is the love you felt to equal the pain youve gone through" always cheers me up in those moments

Chutney

One of the best songs I've ever heard. This band does not get the credit or recognition they deserve.

François Dodard

They are the best live band, they are.

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