Kina started playing shows at the age of four in front of her stuffed animals. Now she plays in front of people, though it wasn’t the quickest transition for the admittedly shy songstress. While attending college at USC, Kina often retreated to the secluded stairwells around campus where she could write and sing without being heard. Protected by their quiet confines, she found a safe haven and a creative outlet for her music. Armed with a guitar and a cup of tea, Kina wrote in every stairwell she came across. And it was within these stairwells that she developed her confidence as a songwriter and her poise as a performer.
In 2007, Kina joined YouTube, made a music video and entered herself into a contest. A few months later, her video for “Message From Your Heart” aired during the Superbowl and its 97 million viewers (or 194 million eyeballs, depending on how you’re keeping track) and she walked away with a record deal. Since then, Kina has regularly posted her songs on YouTube, amassing many millions of views, and toured throughout North America. Her songs have been heard on television shows such as ABC’s General Hospital and MTV’s College Life.
Memory
Kina Grannis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But when the monster turns man don't know how to react
And then daddy named it the singing bridge
In memory of the ghosts that lived here
My timing could not have been better
She cried
Chorus:
Although it's over
A memory hangs on
A memory
(Repeat)
As the dust settles and the dust is rising
Up above the clouds a dove is crying
I leave a trail of copper faces all around the town in different places
I'd like to think that they'll be happy
Or try
Chorus
The lyrics to Kina Grannis's "Memory" are very poetic and evocative, and there are several different ways they could be interpreted. One possible interpretation is that the song is about childhood trauma and the impact it can have on an adult's life. The first verse seems to describe the experience of being scared as a child, hiding from a monster under the bed. Then, the line "when the monster turns man don't know how to react" could be referring to the confusion and disorientation that comes with realizing that the person who's supposed to protect you (perhaps a parent or other trusted adult) is actually the one causing harm. The line "daddy named it the singing bridge in memory of the ghosts that lived here" could suggest that the singer's father tried to make light of the traumatic experiences by giving them a whimsical name, but the ghosts of those experiences still linger.
The chorus, "although she's gone, although it's over, a memory hangs on, a memory" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be that the singer is remembering someone who's passed away, and even though they're no longer here, the memory of them still has an impact. Or, "she" could be a metaphor for something else that's gone (perhaps the singer's childhood innocence or sense of safety). In either case, the memory remains, and the song seems to be exploring what that means for the singer's present and future.
The second verse is a bit more abstract, but it seems to be about leaving a mark on the world and hoping that it will be a positive one. The line "I leave a trail of copper faces all around the town in different places" could mean that the singer leaves little tokens or pieces of herself wherever she goes, and that these "copper faces" symbolize something valuable or enduring. She wants to believe that these little things will make a difference, and that the people who encounter them will be happier for it.
Overall, "Memory" is a haunting and introspective song that touches on some heavy themes. While the precise meaning is open to interpretation, the lyrics are beautifully written and emotionally resonant.
Line by Line Meaning
Get beneath the bed it's another attack
The fear of being attacked or hurt is so intense that one wants to hide away to avoid it.
But when the monster turns man don't know how to react
The reality of facing a monster that was once human can be disorienting and unpredictable.
And then daddy named it the singing bridge
The bridge has a name and a story behind it, a way to connect the past to the present.
In memory of the ghosts that lived here
The bridge is a symbol of the memories and spirits of those who have passed, a way to honor and remember them.
My timing could not have been better
The timing of a difficult or emotional situation can feel overwhelming, as if it couldn't have happened at a worse time.
She cried
Emotional pain can manifest in tears and outward expression of grief.
Although she's gone
The person or memory being referenced is no longer present or in existence.
Although it's over
Whatever has ended, whether it be a relationship, a situation, or a time period, is now finished and cannot be changed.
A memory hangs on
Even though something is gone or over, memories and emotions associated with it remain and continue to affect the present.
A memory
The idea of a memory is central to the song, representing the lasting impact of people, places, and experiences on one's life and emotions.
As the dust settles and the dust is rising
In the aftermath of a situation, there is a sense of both chaos and calmness, of things settling down while new challenges arise.
Up above the clouds a dove is crying
Even amidst the beauty and serenity of the sky, there is still pain and sadness in the world.
I leave a trail of copper faces all around the town in different places
The persona is a symbol of a life lived, with different experiences and connections made throughout a specific location, represented by the copper faces left behind.
I'd like to think that they'll be happy
It is human nature to hope for the best, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: KINA KASUYA GRANNIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bturn10
You always have been (and still are) one of my favourite YouTube finds. Love the emotion and feel of this song! Well done, Kina.
@KinaGrannis
aw thank you so much! so happy you've enjoyed the music <3
@sangzhi1503
As someone who struggles with depression (and who happens to be having a really rough night tonight, sinking in the very awful thoughts), finding this on my homepage was a blessing. I'm crying so hard. This song's so haunting, and it had me picturing my soul walking around my town after my death and it was beautiful....but suddenly I don't wanna end my life anymore. I don't know, my mind's rushing, my anxiety's making it hard to breathe, but Kina you were my heads-up penny tonight. Opening this video made me feel lucky. If I wake up tomorrow it's all thanks to you. Much love. xo
@KinaGrannis
sending so much love to you, and i'm so sorry you're in such a heavy place right now. i'm so glad this song connected to you somehow. i know how dark things can get in our minds and i hope you find a little light soon. you're worth it, life is worth it, it's gonna get better. <3 <3 <3
@sangzhi1503
Kina Grannis Waking up to this message from you is the best thing ever, i'm on the verge of tears again. Thank you so much, for the reminder. I'm gonna hold on to your words. Merci, a million times over. 💗
@lovemyscanpan
Hang in there Alexis.
@neenad3937
Alexis I hope you’re doing so much now that it’s been a year later. 🙏🏽
@chrissomero2580
Awesome as always! Can you put "Heart and Mind" on the throw back Thursday list? So much meaning to me, I'd love to hear your story.
@KinaGrannis
love that you love that one :) such a special one to me. will add to the list!
@claudiafigueroa3125
I tend to get overwhelmed and anxious quite a bit at school, both from homework, personal issues and such... I've recently found your song and it's a blessing. It's really soothing. Thank you for sharing your talent through beautiful music, it really helps <3