The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
Tear Drop
Massive Attack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my
Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart)
It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart)
The song Teardrop, interpreted by Massive Attack featuring Elizabeth Fraser, paints a vivid picture of the complexity of feelings and emotions that come with being in love. The lyrics speak of love as an action, implying that it is not just a feeling but something that is constantly being done. The phrase "fearless on my breath" emphasizes the boldness and courage required to love and be loved. The gentle impulsion mentioned in the song refers to the way love moves and motivates us, with a subtle yet powerful force.
The lyrics also mention the darker aspects of love, with the reference to black flowers blossom on the night of matter. The phrase "night of matter" suggests that these darker aspects are natural and inevitable, much like the darkness that comes with nightfall. The teardrop on the fire represents the heartache and pain that often comes with love. Yet even in the midst of this pain and darkness, the singer remains fearless, emphasizing the resilience and strength that love can bring.
Overall, the song portrays love as a beautiful yet complicated journey, full of joy and heartache, but always worth the risk.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, love is a verb
Love is an action or behavior
Love is a doing word
Love requires action or behavior, it's not just a feeling
Fearless on my breath
I am unafraid
Gentle impulsion
Soft force that moves me
Shakes me, makes me lighter
It trembles me in a way that sets me free
Teardrop on the fire
My emotional distress is fueling the passion in the relationship
Night, night of matter
The darkness and heaviness of reality
Black flowers blossom
The sadness and pain in life bring forth growth and beauty
Water is my eye
My tears are streaming down my face
Most faithful mirror
My reflection shows my true feelings and emotions
Of a confession
The truth of my feelings being revealed
It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart)
The relationship is crumbling and falling apart
It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart)
The relationship is falling apart
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBERT DEL NAJA, GRANTLEY MARSHALL, ANDREW VOWLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@saltywisdom
Love, love is a verb
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my
Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
You're stumbling in the dark
You're stumbling in the dark
@modernborefare1684
Typing 'Massive Attack - Teardrop' in the search box and hitting Enter brought me here.
@MrKeehar
in Italy, specifically Rome region, we would say "e grazie ar cazzo"
@fmaxe
Same.. what are the chances!! Mind blown
@Fern_Charlotte
For someone whose name could be rearranged to spell "Foreman", you sure aren't Foreman.
@modernborefare1684
@MrKeehar
Indeed, it is obvious.
My comment is in reference to all those that commented '*insert TV series name* brought me here' that I find on so many music videos.
:-P
@lelolorenz3111
Well be glad you know the name then :D
@linkinparkrulz2275
My younger brother committed suicide last weekend by overdosing on something. He was found with headphones on, presumably listening to something. This is his youtube account. He made a playlist containing 6 songs that was edited the day he passed. This is one of the 6 songs. With the method he used, he was dead after about 30 minutes, probably unconscious around 12 minutes. I like to think that it was peaceful for him with his music on. I love you Darius, I'll miss you everyday for the rest of my life..
@manfredd9203
I'm sorry for you... hope he found peace now...
@rumblefish9
Sorry for your loss
@sammyxd91
I'm so sorry for your loss I hope your brother has found his peace ❤