Teardrop
Massive Attack - Portishead 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
Nine 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
Stumbling a little
Stumbling a little
In the lyrics of Massive Attack - Portishead's song Teardrop, the concept of love is explored through the use of metaphors and imagery. The opening verses suggest that love is not just a feeling, but it is something that requires action, that it is a "verb" and a "doing word". The reference to "fearless on my breath" implies that love should be pursued with courage, as it can be both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. The gentle impulsion referred to in the lyrics might be interpreted as the subtle and irresistible force that draws two people towards each other, even when they are unsure of the journey.
The second half of the song takes on a darker, more enigmatic tone. The reference to "teardrop on the fire" could suggest that the emotional intensity of love is not always easy to handle or control, and that it can sometimes lead to painful consequences. The image of "black flowers blossom" seems to echo this idea of beauty emerging from darkness, of hope and growth arising from adversity. The final lines of the song, "water is my eye/ most faithful mirror" suggest that the singer is reflecting on their own experiences of love and perhaps seeing themselves more clearly as a result.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, love is a verb
Love is an action that must be demonstrated.
Love is a doing word
Love requires active participation.
Fearless on my breath
I am unafraid, confident.
Gentle impulsion
A subtle force propels me forward.
Shakes me makes me lighter
The force makes me tremble and frees me.
Teardrop on the fire
A small tear falls on a blazing flame.
Nine night of matter
The substance of nine nights.
Black flowers blossom
Flowers of darkness bloom.
Water is my eye
My vision is like water.
Most faithful mirror
The most honest reflection of myself.
Teardrop on the fire of a confession
The tear is shed as I reveal the truth.
Stumbling a little
I falter slightly.
Contributed by Jayden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@princessmakaba8717
This song feels like a taste of life and death.
Ice and fire.
Love and hate.
A taste of dreams and nightmares.
Fear and Joy.
Like witnessing the birth of a baby
And seeing someone bleed to death later that day.
I can't put my finger on it but it's there.
It's a crisp taste I can't describe.
@danplewnarz
In case anyone didn't know, Geoff Barrow the brains behind Portishead was first a studio tech for Massive Attack, when he was still a teenager.
He recorded a demo of "Sour Times" using leftover studio time that Massive Attack had paid for.
The fuzzy distortion of "Roads" isn't digital, he recorded the tracks on vinyl then rode over them with his skateboard.
@TheSoldier0fortunE
Thats a useless fact im totally gonna take and use in the future on a random 5am comedown when i put on some massive attack or portishead when everyone can barely string a sentence together. Thanks man.
@amystabile7789
That's so gangster. 👍✌️❤️
@TheGreenEarthKitty
@@TheSoldier0fortunE ideal 🥰
@Onmy47s
I feel.. no moooooore.
@francesgames
not totally useless then
😌@@TheSoldier0fortunE
@DarthMomo85
It's been 3 years since I heard this mash up for the first time.
It was the first time we met, this mash up played in the bar we went to, and that night I knew she was the One.
203 days later we broke up, but I never stopped loving her, and not a day goes by without me regretting that I didn't tell her how much I love her..
@cbrue1896
These two songs meld together so well. Two fantastic songs by two groups that don't get enough love.
@merrynothing3204
Shhh... they get the absolute right amount of love - those who recognise their beauty and artistry. I don't want them to blow up in a trend on tiktok or whatever. They are special that way. Best to keep it secret so it maintains the authenticity <3 ;) One of the rare moments that the stupid phrase "the ones who get it, get it, the ones who don't, don't" applies IMO.
@jamesrosado2929
It’s Epic.