Hills Like White Elephants
Isles & Glaciers Lyrics


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These are the veins of the way that we love
These are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us.
Things aren't the way that we-

Love as if you didn't know at all (...)
Never once, never knew, painted glass(?) with no love
(Wish I could answer you)
So uptight and desperate for attention
We're all lost and begging to be found
With every word you say, you lead everyone on

These are the veins of the way that we love
These are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us.

You've stopped before the sayer(?) says a word

I need to take it out on you (really take it out, really give it all)
As hard as I can and let you, let you have it all
Do I make you?

Don't start, Don't start, shaking again
She can make the salt taste like sugar on her hands but
If love is a way out, then please let me in
Don't start, darling
Don't you turn my nightmares into dreams again.

Uptight and desperate for attention.
We're all lost and begging to be found.
With every word you say, you lead everyone on

These are the veins of the way that we love
These are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us.

We all did what we had to do
We all did what we had to do
We all did what we had to do
We all did what we, what we had to do
What we had to do

These are the veins of the way that we love




These are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us.
(We only did what we had to do)

Overall Meaning

The song "Hills Like White Elephants" by Isles & Glaciers speaks about the complexities of relationships, particularly the ones full of misunderstandings, uncommunicated expectations, and unaddressed issues. The veins and hearts of the way they love are filled with pain, betrayal, and desperation. The second person in the song is speaking to their significant other about how they are confused about the state of their relationship. They long to be loved without the games and dishonesty that often come with it. They want this person to see them, to understand them fully, and to acknowledge their pain.


The chorus repeats that these are the veins of the way that we love, and these are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us. It is a constant reminder that relationships are often filled with pain, especially when they are filled with miscommunication, unmet expectations, and dishonesty. The lyrics reveal a vulnerability that arises when people come together and how one person's actions can affect another person deeply. The last line of the song suggests that they did what they had to do, accepting that it was their only option, though it was not what they desired.


Line by Line Meaning

These are the veins of the way that we love
The way we love is complicated and deep, like veins that run throughout the body.


These are the hearts of lonely people ripped in front of us.
We witness the pain and heartache of those who have loved and lost.


Love as if you didn't know at all (...)
Love with a sense of naivety and pureness, as if you've never experienced it before.


Never once, never knew, painted glass(?) with no love
The love that was once there has faded away, leaving an empty and hollow feeling.


(Wish I could answer you)
Regret for not being able to communicate in a way that would satisfy the other person.


So uptight and desperate for attention
Feeling anxious and needy for validation and acknowledgment from others.


We're all lost and begging to be found
We all feel lost in life and crave a sense of purpose and belonging.


With every word you say, you lead everyone on
Your words and actions give false hope and expectations to those around you.


You've stopped before the sayer(?) says a word
The fear of what the other person might say prevents communication and resolution.


I need to take it out on you (really take it out, really give it all)
The desire to express anger and frustration towards the other person in a full and intense manner.


As hard as I can and let you, let you have it all
Venting all of the pent-up emotions and unleashing them onto the other person.


Do I make you?
Questioning the effect that one's actions have on the other person's emotions and well-being.


Don't start, Don't start, shaking again
Trying to hold back emotions and physical reactions from surfacing.


She can make the salt taste like sugar on her hands but
The other person has a way of making painful experiences seem sweet or bearable.


If love is a way out, then please let me in
Love is seen as an escape from the pain and struggles of life, and the desire for the other person to reciprocate those feelings.


Don't start, darling
A plea for the other person to not trigger negative emotions and reactions.


Don't you turn my nightmares into dreams again.
Trying to break free from the cycle of emotional pain and hurt that the other person has caused.


We all did what we had to do
Everyone has made their own choices and decisions, even if they were difficult and painful.


(We only did what we had to do)
Repeating the sentiment that the choices made were necessary, and perhaps trying to justify the pain caused to others.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Josh Allen

I forgot about this album. Hearing 3 of my fav singers at the same time is so sick lol. We need more I&G in 2022.

John Doe

Don't think Craig and Vince still talk to Jonny wish they would reunite for an album or an EP

1 More Replies...

Darren Flavelle

This is my favourite Supergroup. One EP, but it was MAGNIFICENT.

Otacon

this is single-handedly the most original and talented supergroup I’ve ever heard, and of course they only made ONE, AMAZING record.

Brandon

@Otacon The sounds of animals fighting was pretty legendary. Albeit not catering to the genre and very experimental I'd place them a little higher on the scale.

Sean David

@Brandonok true

Thommyboy

Just found these guys today, this might be one of the greatest choruses I’ve ever heard in my life

James W.

I really liked this song a lot in my teens. Always found it unique.

Aide Mondragon

1:28-1:50 is the best part imo

Rubotz

Vic Fuentes writes the best lyrics ever

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