Incapable
Fairy Bones Lyrics

The lyrics of "Incapable" by Fairy Bones delve into themes of communication breakdown, personal limitations, and the weight of mistakes in a relationship.

The opening lines convey the singer's regret for saying something hurtful and their attempts to make amends. They admit to their own struggles in offering help, finding it easier to shut down emotionally rather than admitting their own faults. This highlights a barrier in their communication, where they struggle to express themselves effectively and take responsibility for their actions.

The second verse portrays a cycle of conflict, with each day bringing another fight. The line "holding every vowel against me" suggests that the partner is keeping track of every word said in their disagreements, which adds to the tension and resentment. The partner's presence becomes a constant reminder of their disappointment, as they stay despite feeling entitled to some kind of recognition or reward for their persistence.

The chorus reveals the singer's frustration with their inability to say the right thing or handle the situation more skillfully. They want to improve and communicate effectively, but they feel incapable of doing so. This highlights their own personal limitations and their struggle to navigate the challenges in their relationship. The repetition of the phrase "I'm incapable" emphasizes their feelings of powerlessness and inability.

The bridge introduces a new perspective, where the partner's mistakes become haunting memories for the singer. These mistakes are described as ghosts that cannot be let go, lingering in the night. The singer uses downers as a way to cope with these haunting memories, but acknowledges that they do not truly save them from their emotional breakdown. This suggests that the singer is using substances as a temporary escape, rather than addressing the underlying issues in their relationship.

The final repetition of "I'm incapable" reinforces the theme of personal limitations and inability to handle the challenges they face. It reflects the frustration and resignation of the singer, who feels overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate their relationship effectively. The song ultimately portrays a struggle to communicate, take responsibility, and find clarity within the complexity of a troubled relationship.