Petals
Libby Tidley Lyrics
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Something different and
I thought that you had those feelings too
But I guess you couldn't have
I didn't fight it when you lied right to my face
I just carried on
I didn't know how much it would hurt
When I turned around and saw the truth
I'll let these petals fall
And tangle in my strings
I'll raise my arms up to the sky
And pluck these feathers from my wings
I'll let these petals fall
And wash away my sins
Build up a barrier to keep you out
So I can't hurt again
I'll let these petals fall
And tangle in my strings
I'll raise my arms up to the sky
And pluck these feathers from my wings
I'll let these petals fall
And wash away my sins
Build up a barrier to keep you out
So I can't hurt again
I hoped that it was just something on your mind
That you didn't wanna talk about
I hadn't thought that you were the kind
To turn around and go back
On what we said we'd be
I didn't fight it when I saw you in her arms
I just walked away
You left me broken
Left me wounded
Now all I can do is stand on the roof and say
I'll let these petals fall
And tangle in my strings
I'll raise my arms up to the sky
And pluck these feathers from my wings
I'll let these petals fall
And wash away my sins
Build up a barrier to keep you out
So I can't hurt again
I'll let these petals fall
And tangle in my strings
I'll raise my arms up to the sky
And pluck these feathers from my wings
I'll let these petals fall
And wash away my sins
Build up a barrier to keep you out
So I can't hurt again
The lyrics of "Petals" by Libby Tidley depict a painful breakup and the aftermath of betrayal. The singer thought that there was something special in the relationship, but it turned out that her partner didn't share her feelings, as he lied to her face and went back on what they had promised to be. The truth hurt her deeply, but she didn't fight it then. She now says that she'll let the petals fall and tangle in her strings, raising her arms up to the sky and plucking the feathers from her wings. This evokes the image of a bird shedding its feathers or even losing them due to a painful event, such as being wounded or captured. By doing so, the bird can protect itself from further harm or fly away to new horizons. In a similar way, the singer wants to wash away her sins and build up a barrier to keep the betrayer out, so she can't hurt again. The petals perhaps symbolize the fragments of the relationship, the memories of what used to be, or even the love that was once shared but now falls apart.
The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's resolve to move on, to let go of the past, and to protect herself from future pain. She doesn't want to be vulnerable anymore or to let anyone else break her heart. The use of metaphors adds depth and beauty to the lyrics while conveying a sense of loss, anger, and even self-pity. The singer is hurt, wounded, and broken, but she also possesses a degree of resilience and determination to heal herself. The melody is melancholic and soothing, with a hint of folk and country influences. The use of strings and guitar enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics and the singer's voice, which is clear and expressive.
Line by Line Meaning
I thought that we had something special
I believed our connection was meaningful and unique.
Something different and
It was distinct from any other relationship I had experienced.
I thought that you had those feelings too
I assumed you had mutual emotions for me as well.
But I guess you couldn't have
However, I now understand that was not the case, and you did not feel the same.
I didn't fight it when you lied right to my face
I did not challenge you when you were dishonest with me during our conversation.
I just carried on
I continued behaving in the same way without addressing the dishonesty.
I didn't know how much it would hurt
I was not aware of the level of pain I would experience from what you did.
When I turned around and saw the truth
Until I discovered the reality of the situation.
For what it really was so now
An honest interpretation of what had occurred, and now.
I'll let these petals fall
As a representation of allowing things I once held on to, now release.
And tangle in my strings
Accepting that painful memories and emotions are now a part of me, and I don’t intend to let them go.
I'll raise my arms up to the sky
Reaching out for help and guidance by looking above.
And pluck these feathers from my wings
Consciously removing the things weighing me down and holding me back.
And wash away my sins
Letting go of my mistakes and losses, so I can move on without guilt.
Build up a barrier to keep you out
Establishing boundaries to prevent myself from being hurt again.
So I can't hurt again
To protect myself from any emotional trauma in the future.
I hoped that it was just something on your mind
I genuinely believed that you were merely preoccupied with something else.
That you didn't wanna talk about
Something that you unwilling to discuss with me.
I hadn't thought that you were the kind
I never perceived you as somebody who would act in this manner.
To turn around and go back
To backtrack and reverse from the decisions made together.
On what we said we'd be
Our agreed-upon expectations of each other we had discussed.
I didn't fight it when I saw you in her arms
When I witnessed you being with another person, I chose not to resist the situation.
I just walked away
Without acknowledgement or response, I left quietly.
You left me broken
As a result of your actions, I now feel deeply hurt and emotionally shattered.
Left me wounded
I now carry emotional scars from this experience.
Now all I can do is stand on the roof and say
The only thing I feel I can do now is express my feelings outwardly.
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.