Mother Protect
Niki & the Dove Lyrics


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I used to friend with trees, I have a call
I close my eyes and wait for the echo
And you came in a hurricane,
I watched you in the dark
Never seen nothing like it,
I wanna smash the spark

I used to follow you, follow you for days
I slept beside you, just shadows away
I watched you by the fire, your hands was all aglow
Under the spell of a circle, I let my face show

Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky
It's so beautiful, I see right through the water's edge
And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage
So tender but your body was warm, so frail,
But your eyes like mine,

The color of ice

Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky
It's so beautiful, I see right through the water's edge
And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage
So tender but your body was warm, so frail,
But your eyes like mine,

The color of ice

The color of ice

The color of
The color of
The color of

I used to follow you, follow you for days (The color of)
I slept beside you, just shadows away
I watched you by the fire, your hands was all aglow
Under the spell of a circle, I let my face show

Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky
It's so beautiful, I see right through the water's edge
And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage
So tender but your body was warm, so frail,
But your eyes like mine,

The color of ice

Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky
It's so beautiful, I see right through the water's edge
And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage
So tender but your body was warm, so frail,
But your eyes like mine,





The color of ice

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Niki & the Dove's song Mother Protect take on an ethereal and mysterious quality. The artist describes a deep connection with nature and the earth through the use of the symbol of the tree, a common motif in many cultures as a representation of growth, strength, and stability. By claiming to be friends with trees, the artist is suggesting a spiritual bond with the natural world that exists beyond our everyday understanding. The reference to the echo further underscores the idea of a connection beyond the physical realm, suggesting that the artist is listening for something greater than the immediate surroundings.


The arrival of the hurricane represents a sudden change, a force beyond human control that shakes up the artist's world. It is something that can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Here, the artist's focus shifts to a specific individual, who is described using rich sensory details - they are watched in the dark, and their appearance is so striking that the artist "wanna smash the spark". Perhaps this person represents a new, exciting experience, or a source of danger - it is up to the listener to decide. The song then continues with images of fire, circles, and cages, all of which suggest that the artist is tempted to give themselves over to something greater than themselves, perhaps even surrendering personal freedom in exchange for a deeper connection. The final repeated lines about the "color of ice" might suggest an unease or discomfort with this decision, but it is not clear. The song ends as mysteriously as it began, leaving the listener with more questions than answers.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to friend with trees, I have a call
I used to spend time with trees, feeling connected to nature and my inner self.


I close my eyes and wait for the echo
In moments of silence, I look inward and reflect on my thoughts and emotions.


And you came in a hurricane, I watched you in the dark
You came into my life with passion and chaos, and I observed you from a distance.


Never seen nothing like it, I wanna smash the spark
You were unlike anyone else I had ever met, and I was tempted to act impulsively because of the intensity of our connection.


I used to follow you, follow you for days
I would trail behind you for long periods of time, drawn to your magnetic energy.


I slept beside you, just shadows away
I slept near you, but still felt a distance between us.


I watched you by the fire, your hands was all aglow
I observed you as you tended to the fire, captivated by your presence.


Under the spell of a circle, I let my face show
In a communal setting, my guard came down and I allowed myself to reveal my true emotions.


Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky
My heart is free and adventurous, unafraid to take risks and experience new things.


It's so beautiful, I see right through the water's edge
The world around me is breathtaking and I have a deep appreciation for the natural world.


And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage
I am drawn to your touch and willingly follow you, even if it could lead to emotional entrapment.


So tender but your body was warm, so frail,
You were gentle in your interactions with me, but there was also a sense of fragility to your physical being.


But your eyes like mine, The color of ice
Despite our differences, we both have eyes that are cool and calm, with a depth that can be hard to read and understand.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Gustaf Karlof, Malin Dahlstrom

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@giogiobcn

Definitely... The Knife & Fever Ray's inheritance!! Gorgeous!!

@johnnygogo

yeah, she even dresses like the girl on FR`s "when I grow up" :)

@nyrabstrob8779

Her intentions feel as though she is warning you of today!!!!!

@mykmcgrane

0:00 -- I was intrigued, 1:38 -- I got excited, 2:49 I fell in love.

@alexcab.4696

xD me too !

@Drunkmuse

Myk McGrane so true

@muwarriors

In my case was: 0:00 - what weird but interesting song, 2:14 :o , 2:49 ok, now Im excited, 4:00 * dancing and feelin the power of nature*

@technolouder

YOU CAN'T KEEP ME DOWN, I AM DONE, I AM FURIOUS

@SWEdemolition

Best contemporary pop i have heard in a long time. fills me with joy and optimism. Which, i assure you, is a rare occurrence.

@kratonmajapahit7386

had the same rare occurrence w "little dragon"

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