Glaspy boasts a diverse of musical background from competitive fiddle to marching band trombone and influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Elliott Smith. She focuses her talents in fiercely raw, guitar-driven pop songs. She cut her debut album at Sear Sound with Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Lucius, Har Mar Superstar) in New York City.
Discography - Solo
Homeschool EP (2012, self-Released)
If & When EP (2013, self-Released)
You and I b/w Somebody to Anybody 7-inch (2016, ATO Records)
Emotions and Math (2016, ATO Records)
Born Yesterday EP (2018, ATO Records)
Devotion (2020, ATO Records)
Echo the Diamond (2023, ATO Records)
With The Fundies
The Fundies EP (2012 self-Released)
Emotions and Math
Margaret Glaspy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when i got you by my side
everythings alright
its just when your gone, i start to snooze the alarm
and i stay up until 4 in the morning
countin all the days till your back
shiverin in an ice cold bath
of emotions and math
cuz we're alright
until you go and i start losin control without one in
countin all the days till your back
shiverin in an ice cold bath
of emotions and math
Ive gotta get outta this tree, off of this limb
im a woman actin like a kid
a skinny mess thats breathless from tellin you all the things that im gonna do
i was a rolling stone
out on my own
but now that youre here, im just livin in fear
of you leavin
countin all the days till your back
shiverin in an ice cold bath
of emotions and math
ive gotta get outta this tree
off of this limb
im a women actin like a kid
a skinny mess thats breathless
from tellin you all the things, im gonna do
THE END
In Margaret Glaspy's "Emotions and Math," the lyrics tell a story of a woman who is so dependent on her partner that she feels lost and fearful without them. The chorus emphasizes the contrast between feeling good with her partner around, but being overwhelmed by her emotions when they're gone. The line "shivering in an ice-cold bath of emotions and math" is particularly poignant, as it suggests a feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed by complex emotions. The verse about being a "rolling stone out on my own" seems to suggest that the woman was once independent, but has become too reliant on her partner. She confesses that she feels like a "skinny mess" when telling her partner everything she is going to do, making her seem vulnerable and perhaps unsure of herself. The song captures the feeling of being caught up in the wild swings of emotion that can come with love and dependence, and the fear of losing that security.
Overall, the song is a contemplation of the push and pull of love and the delicate balance of dependence between two people. The repeating chorus of counting the days until her partner comes back highlights the anxiety and fear of being without them, while the metaphor of the "ice-cold bath of emotions and math" adds a layer of complexity to the emotions being described. Glaspy's use of simple but evocative lyrics and a catchy melody make "Emotions and Math" a relatable and emotionally resonant song.
Line by Line Meaning
oh
The beginning of the song, indicating a feeling of uncertainty and unease.
when i got you by my side
Expressing comfort in the company of a loved one.
everythings alright
Affirming the importance of having someone to rely on.
its just when your gone, i start to snooze the alarm
Feeling vulnerable and disoriented when separated from a loved one.
and i stay up until 4 in the morning
Unable to sleep due to anxiety and longing.
countin all the days till your back
Anticipating the end of a separation and wanting to be reunited.
shiverin in an ice cold bath
Metaphor for feeling emotionally frozen and exposed.
of emotions and math
The complex and confusing nature of relationships and the emotional calculations involved.
oh its a shame and im to blame
Acknowledging responsibility for one's own feelings and actions.
cuz we're alright
Highlights the positive aspects of the relationship when things are going well.
until you go and i start losin control without one in
Admitting vulnerability and dependence on a loved one.
ive gotta get outta this tree, off of this limb
Desire to be less emotional and more grounded.
im a woman actin like a kid
Feeling immature and out of control of one's emotions.
a skinny mess thats breathless from tellin you all the things that im gonna do
Desire to improve oneself and make promises to a loved one.
i was a rolling stone
A metaphor for being independent and living without attachment.
out on my own
Further expressing independence and self-reliance.
but now that youre here, im just livin in fear
Fear of losing someone who has become so important.
of you leavin
Fear of separation and loss.
im gonna do
The desire to strive for self-improvement and growth.
Contributed by Mila K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chris Barron
Bless Spotify for putting this song on my Discover Weekly playlist yesterday!
Brilliant song, great guitar and what a voice!
Ricky G
Margaret's voice is magic. Her voice paired with the dialed in Tele and tubed amp tone is flippin amazing!
Taylor McEachin
I'm so glad I found this artist through the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts!
Mike Hawk
I've been listening to this song multiple times a day since I first heard it. It's an amazing song :)
Carlos Paz Guitar
3 things i love the most:
- Beatiful guitar player lady
- Nice sounding guitar.
- Excellent song.
:)
jimclip
Just discovered you Margaret and loving it all! Your chords and the progressions thereof are amazing, and your voice stirs my soul! 🏆
Thomas Sulcer
Great song! Great writing! Great follow-through beat! Earthy, raw guitar.
the sodium lights
Bloody brilliant song.
Blob Polp
Heard this at the shops and realised I'd seen her before on NPR! Such a good song.
ktuluflux
This is the musical equivalent of wet cardboard. Love it.