Ballerina
John Lingard Lyrics

The lyrics of John Lingard's song "Ballerina" convey a sense of disillusionment and the recognition that a relationship lacks love and fulfillment. The first verse speaks of a desperate encounter, where the singer resorts to extreme measures by shooting a bullet in the night to meet someone on the other side. "Fireworks and heart attacks" signify the intense and unpredictable nature of their connection, while "cold shivers running down my back" represents a sense of unease or foreboding.

The second verse continues to illustrate the absence of love in the relationship. The mention of "Birds that won't ever fly" refers to the impossibility of the relationship reaching its full potential. The reference to coffee stains after a caffeine high suggests the temporary and fleeting nature of their connection, indicating that it lacks depth and substance. The repetition of "this ain't love" emphasizes the realization that their relationship falls short of true love and emotional fulfillment. The image of "another photo on the shelf, just a flame but nothing else" further emphasizes the emptiness and lack of substance in their connection.

The bridge section introduces the metaphor of a "Ballerina" dancing on top of a table. This represents someone who is chasing their dreams and aspirations, possibly using the relationship as a means to an end. The line "you're wishing your life would end up in a movie screen" suggests that the singer's partner desires a perfect and romanticized life, but the reality is far from that. The repeated plea of "Ballerina, don't end up like us" serves as a warning against repeating their mistakes and falling into the same patterns.

The final chorus reiterates the themes of unfulfilled potential and a lack of love in the relationship. The images of birds that won't fly and coffee stains after a caffeine high are repeated, highlighting the transitory nature of their connection and the absence of true emotional depth. The lyrics again emphasize that "this ain't love," underscoring the ongoing realization that their relationship is flawed and unsatisfying.

Overall, "Ballerina" is a song that expresses a sense of disappointment and the awareness that a relationship is lacking in genuine love and fulfillment. The lyrics paint a picture of fleeting moments and an unattainable ideal, urging the singer and their partner to avoid repeating the same patterns and ending up unsatisfied.