Circumambient is a synthpop song by Canadian artist Grimes.

For the … Read Full Bio ↴Circumambient is a synthpop song by Canadian artist Grimes.

For the 2022 re-release of the Visions vinyl, Grimes shared some information about the song:

"Funnily enough, to me, I thought this was the single at the time. Like I thought it was this big commercial Britney Spears type bop hahaha. I sort of wish I never discovered pop culture cuz I miss the insane version of myself that made this and was totally confused about how humans perceive music."

Circumambient
Grimes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh baby, I can't say
That everything is okay
'Cause I have a problem
And I don't know how to solve them

But, baby I can't do
Anything to help you
'Cause I'm working to the bone

And you know I've gotta be alone

Hey, I'ma, hey, I'ma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma

Hey, I'ma, hey, I'mma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma

Oh, baby, I can't say
That everything is okay
'Cause I have a problem
And I don't know how to solve them

Oh, baby, I can't do
Oh anything to help you
'Cause I am working to the bone
And you know, and you know
You're gonna have to play alone

Hey, hey, hey
Hey, I'ma, hey, I'ma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma
Hey, I'ma, hey, I'mma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma
Hey, I'ma, hey, I'ma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma
Hey, I'ma, hey, I'mma, ready to say, I'ma
Working to the bone all day, I'ma

I'ma, I'ma, I'ma, I'ma
I'ma, I'ma, I'ma, I'ma

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Grimes's "Circumambient" are a representation of the struggle to balance personal issues and relationships with the demands of work. The singer begins by acknowledging that things are not okay and that they have a problem that they don't know how to solve. However, they also express their inability to offer help or support to their partner because they are consumed by their work. The repetition of the phrase "working to the bone all day" highlights the intensity of their workload and the toll it takes on both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Despite their desire to be present for their partner, they recognize that they must prioritize their professional duties.

The final lines, "Hey, hey, hey, I'ma" serve as a sort of mantra, perhaps a reminder to themselves that they are doing what they need to do, even if it comes at a cost. The repetition of "I'ma" provides a sense of determination and drive as they continue to work towards their goals and address their personal struggles. Ultimately, the lyrics paint a picture of the complex balancing act that many face in their daily lives, trying to juggle various responsibilities and navigate the challenges that come with them.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh baby, I can't say
I can't pretend that everything is okay

That everything is okay
That all my problems have been solved

'Cause I have a problem
Because something is troubling me

And I don't know how to solve them
And I don't have the answers to fix it

But, baby I can't do
Unfortunately, I can't provide any assistance

Anything to help you
In any way to alleviate the issue

'Cause I'm working to the bone
Because I'm working excessively hard

And you know I've gotta be alone
And I need to be alone to focus on my work

Hey, I'ma, hey, I'ma, ready to say, I'ma
I'm determined and committed to my work

Working to the bone all day, I'ma
I'm working non-stop all day

Oh, baby, I can't say
I can't ignore that something is wrong