Wrinkles
Emily Gabriele Lyrics
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These dollar signs add to my lines
What’s real and what’s a story?
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
These dollar signs add to my lines
What’s real and what’s a story?
Staring at clocks for days and days
Ask them to spare me some time
When the night falls I’m afraid
That I won’t treat you right
Treat you right
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
These dollar signs add to my lines
What’s real and what’s a story?
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
These dollar signs add to my lines
What’s real and what’s a story?
In "Wrinkles," Emily Gabriele captures the burdens of worry and the toll they take on both mental and physical appearances. The opening lines evoke a sense of introspection, as the singer notes the physical manifestation of her anxieties through the "wrinkles on my forehead." These wrinkles symbolize more than just aging; they represent the mental weight of constant worrying and the pressures of life. The mention of "dollar signs" suggests that financial concerns and societal expectations significantly contribute to her stress, intertwining materialism with personal well-being. The rhetorical question, “What’s real and what’s a story?” points to the complexities of distinguishing genuine experiences from external narratives that often shape our perceptions and feelings.
The repetition of the opening lines serves to reinforce the themes of worry and the existential pondering of authenticity in experiences. By revisiting this concept, Gabriele emphasizes how pervasive these worries are in her life, almost as if she’s trapped in a cyclical thought process. The dollar signs repeating signify not only the stress of economic stability but also the emptiness inherent in equating self-worth with financial success. Furthermore, it highlights a societal narration that often diminishes personal narratives in favor of monetary value, leading the singer to question the truth behind her experiences and emotions. This cycle of concern is relatable for many, who find themselves ensnared in a web of anxiety that often overshadows more profound personal connections.
As the song progresses, Gabriele shares a vivid image of "staring at clocks for days and days," suggesting an intense preoccupation with time and the passage of life. This fixation on time not only underscores her anxiety about the future but also conveys a sense of desperation in wanting control over it. The plea to the clocks to "spare me some time" can be interpreted as a yearning for moments of respite from her worries—a desire to reclaim her time for genuine experiences rather than worrying about what might come next. The following lines depict a fear of inadequacy in relationships, suggesting that the singer is cognizant of her emotional struggles and fears their impact on her ability to nurture the connections she values. This vulnerability adds depth to her character, portraying her as someone who longs to communicate emotional honesty yet grapples with self-doubt.
The song concludes by echoing the earlier sentiments, reinforcing the persistent nature of her worries and questioning the dichotomy between reality and fiction. The repetition drives home the idea that these anxieties are ingrained in her existence, leaving her feeling trapped rather than liberated by time. This cyclical nature not only highlights the continuous pressure she feels from her financial woes but also underscores the societal narratives that dictate success and fulfillment. By illustrating a poignant moment of reflection, Gabriele invites listeners to consider their own experiences with worry and the ways it shapes their lives, ultimately challenging them to seek authenticity amidst external pressures and expectations. Through "Wrinkles," she poignantly encapsulates the struggle of balancing real emotions against the cacophony of societal norms, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
Accumulating physical signs of stress and concern on my face as evidence of my incessant thoughts and anxieties.
These dollar signs add to my lines
The pressure and burden of financial worries are etched into my skin, manifesting as more signs of stress.
What’s real and what’s a story?
Pondering the distinction between authentic experiences and the narratives or perceptions we've created around them.
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
Gathering visible markers of my mental preoccupation, highlighting the toll that constant worry takes on my appearance.
These dollar signs add to my lines
The increasing burden of financial pressures contributes further to my visible signs of aging and stress.
What’s real and what’s a story?
Questioning the authenticity of my life experiences versus the stories constructed by my mind or society.
Staring at clocks for days and days
Habitually watching time pass, filled with a sense of impatience and urgency that seems to stretch endlessly.
Ask them to spare me some time
Pleading with the passage of time to slow down, wishing for a reprieve from my overwhelming thoughts.
When the night falls I’m afraid
Feeling a surge of fear and anxiety as nighttime approaches, a time often associated with introspection and solitude.
That I won’t treat you right
Worrying that my inner turmoil will lead to me mistreating or neglecting someone important to me.
Treat you right
Hoping to provide care and affection to that person, yet feeling uncertain about my ability to do so due to my worries.
Collecting wrinkles on my forehead to prove that I’ve been worrying
Continuing to accumulate visible marks of anxiety, serving as personal testimony to my internal struggles.
These dollar signs add to my lines
Once more acknowledging that financial stress is a source of additional worry etched into my features.
What’s real and what’s a story?
Once again grappling with the thin line between the reality I live and the narratives I construct around it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Emily Gabriele
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind