Daredevil
Fiona Apple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't feel anything until I smash it up
I'm caught on the cold, caught on the hot
Not so with the warmer lot
And all I want's a confidante
To help me laugh it off
And don't let me ruin me
Say I'm an airplane
And the gashes I got from my heartbreak
Make the slots and the flaps upon my wing
And I use them to give me lip
Hip hip for the lift
Hip hip for the drag
I want them all in my bag
Oh give me anything and I'll turn it into a gift
But don't let me ruin me
I may need a chaperone
Seek me out
Look at, look at, look at, look at me
I'm all the fishes in the sea
Wake me up
Give me, give me, give me what you got
In your mind, in the middle of the night
Maybe you let me look out for you
Protect what I found in you
And never let it starve
Then that way, you let me stay
Skirtin' the skirt like I want to
And I will try hard to hold onto you with open arms
But don't let me ruin me
I may need a chaperone
In "Daredevil," Fiona Apple exposes herself as a reckless risk-taker whose emotional intensity can be destructive. The lyrics indicate her dismissal of the consequences of her impulsive and self-destructive actions, like how she feels nothing until she smashes things, suggesting a desire for release from her emotional turmoil. Fiona’s broken heart makes her feel like she’s been wounded beyond repair, leaving her with a series of scars she can use like wings to help her soar higher in the world. She is crying out for someone to trust, to share her heart with, and to be a confidante, but she fears the damage she might do to herself. She also craves a chaperone, someone to give her perspective on things and to keep her in check.
Throughout the song, Fiona Apple is yearning for a partner who understands her emotional fragility and will encourage her to grow without tearing her down. However, despite her openness to seek help, she still recognizes that the most significant threat to her well-being is herself. The song ends with Fiona pledging to hold onto the person who sees her for who she is and who helps her become the best version of herself. She fears she may ruin herself, but with the right person, someone who understands that struggle, she may be able to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
I guess I just must be a daredevil
I enjoy taking risks and pushing boundaries in order to feel alive
I don't feel anything until I smash it up
I am numb to emotions until I experience something intense or extreme
I'm caught on the cold, caught on the hot
I struggle to find balance as I am often drawn to extremes
Not so with the warmer lot
I have trouble relating to those who do not share my intensity
And all I want's a confidante
I am seeking someone to confide in and share my experiences with
To help me laugh it off
I need someone to help me cope with the aftermath of my risky behavior
And don't let me ruin me
I need someone to keep me grounded and prevent me from causing harm to myself
I may need a chaperone
I recognize that I am in danger of losing control and need someone to keep me accountable
Say I'm an airplane
I see myself as a powerful force that can soar to new heights
And the gashes I got from my heartbreak
The pain and scars from my past relationships motivate me to fly even higher
Make the slots and the flaps upon my wing
My emotional wounds have become tools that I can use to propel myself forward
And I use them to give me lip
I take pride in my ability to talk back to those who doubt me or try to hold me back
Hip hip for the lift
I celebrate my successes and the boost they give me
Hip hip for the drag
I acknowledge the setbacks and obstacles I face as part of the journey
I want them all in my bag
I am eager to collect and utilize both successes and failures as fuel for my ambition
Oh give me anything and I'll turn it into a gift
I am confident in my ability to transform any experience into something positive
Seek me out
I am open to connecting with others who share my passion and intensity
Look at, look at, look at, look at me
I crave attention and recognition for my accomplishments and my unique perspective
I'm all the fishes in the sea
I see myself as a force to be reckoned with, as powerful and vast as the ocean
Wake me up
I am eager to seize each new day and continue my journey forward
Give me, give me, give me what you got
I am constantly on the lookout for new experiences and challenges to push myself
In your mind, in the middle of the night
I am open to deep connections and conversations that transcend the surface level
Maybe you let me look out for you
I am not just seeking support, but also looking for someone to care for and protect
Protect what I found in you
I am invested in the people I care about and will go to great lengths to keep them safe and happy
And never let it starve
I am committed to nourishing and growing the relationships that are important to me
Then that way, you let me stay
By building strong connections, I am able to stick around and experience the world with those I care about
Skirtin' the skirt like I want to
I am determined to live life on my own terms and not let anyone hold me back
And I will try hard to hold onto you with open arms
I am willing to be vulnerable and put myself out there in order to build and maintain strong relationships
But don't let me ruin me
Despite my passion and ambition, I am aware of my own potential for self-destruction
I may need a chaperone
I need someone who can help me stay grounded and prevent me from giving in to my more destructive tendencies
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind