Wrapped Up In Books
Ofln - Belle & Sebastian Lyrics


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It was pretty bright, up on the rainbow bridge tonight
I could see into your window although you're far away
You were racing in a car
Beside a boy, you just don't know if he is up for
What you have in mind
If he is up for what you have in mind

Change is on the cards, but this time it will be hard
But I never want to leave you
We've never had a fight
You should never split a pole
You should never split at all
I wish I had two paths that I could follow
I'd write the ending without any sorrow

I will say a prayer, just while you are sitting there
I will wrap my hands around you
I know it will be fine
We've got a fantasy affair
We didn't get wet, we didn't dare
Our aspirations, are wrapped up in books
Our inclinations are hidden in looks

Summer's hastening on
I'm trying to get a feeling from the city
But I've been unfaithful
I've been travelling abroad
We've got a fantasy affair
We didn't get wet, we didn't dare





Our aspirations, are wrapped up in books
Our inclinations are hidden in looks

Overall Meaning

In the song "Wrapped Up In Books" by Belle & Sebastian, the lyrics paint a picture of complex emotions and relationships. The opening lines describe a scene on a rainbow bridge, symbolizing a connection between two individuals who are physically apart but emotionally connected. The singer peers into the window of someone they care about, observing them in a moment of intimacy with another person. There is a sense of distance and uncertainty, as the singer questions whether the other person truly understands or is ready for the depth of their feelings.


The theme of change and challenges in relationships emerges in the following verses. The singer acknowledges the inevitability of change but expresses a desire to remain connected despite the difficulties that lie ahead. The mention of never splitting a pole could be a superstition about not causing harm to a relationship, suggesting a desire to avoid conflict or separation. The singer longs for clarity and the ability to choose a path that leads to a peaceful resolution, hinting at a longing for a harmonious outcome.


The mentioning of a fantasy affair implies a dreamlike escape from reality, where unspoken desires and hidden emotions are explored within the pages of books and through meaningful glances. The romanticized notion of aspirations and inclinations being wrapped up in books suggests a deep connection to literature and the power of storytelling to navigate and understand complex emotions. The lyrics also touch on themes of temptation and infidelity, as the singer admits to straying from the path and seeking solace outside of their established relationship.


As the song progresses, the singer grapples with conflicting feelings of nostalgia for a past summer and a longing for a connection to the present city. The references to being unfaithful and traveling abroad hint at a sense of restlessness and longing for something more. The recurring motif of a fantasy affair and the juxtaposition of not getting wet or daring to fully immerse in reality symbolize a delicate balance between escapism and confronting one's true desires. Overall, "Wrapped Up In Books" delves into the complexities of relationships, emotions, and the intertwining of fantasy and reality in navigating the challenges of love and self-discovery.


Line by Line Meaning

It was pretty bright, up on the rainbow bridge tonight
The situation seemed hopeful and positive at that moment


I could see into your window although you're far away
I can understand your thoughts and feelings even though we are physically distant


You were racing in a car
You were moving quickly and excitedly


Beside a boy, you just don't know if he is up for
Next to a boy, unsure if he is ready for


What you have in mind
What you are thinking about or planning


Change is on the cards, but this time it will be hard
There will be difficult changes ahead


But I never want to leave you
I never want to be apart from you


We've never had a fight
We have never argued


You should never split a pole
Superstitious belief about poles bringing bad luck if split


You should never split at all
We should never separate


I wish I had two paths that I could follow
I wish I had more options to choose from


I'd write the ending without any sorrow
I would create a happy outcome


I will say a prayer, just while you are sitting there
I will silently hope for the best for you


I will wrap my hands around you
I will offer comfort and protection


I know it will be fine
I am confident that everything will turn out well


Summer's hastening on
Summer is quickly approaching


I'm trying to get a feeling from the city
I am attempting to understand the city's atmosphere


But I've been unfaithful
But I have been disloyal


I've been travelling abroad
I have been traveling to other countries


Our aspirations, are wrapped up in books
Our goals and dreams are deeply connected to literature


Our inclinations are hidden in looks
Our desires are kept secret in our appearances




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN LAURENCE BENNETT, RICHARD WILLIAM COLBURN, MICHAEL COOKE, CHRISTOPHER THOMAS GEDDES, STEPHEN JACKSON, ROBERT MICHAEL KILDEA, SARAH ANN MARTIN, HANK MARVIN, HANK BRIAN MARVIN, STUART LEE MURDOCH, JOHN ROSTILL, JOHN HENRY ROSTILL, BRUCE WELCH

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@komugi8519

It was pretty bright, up on the rainbow bridge tonight
I could see into your window although you're far away
You were racing in a car
Beside a boy, you just don't know if he is up for
What you have in mind
If he is up for what you have in mind

Change is on the cards, but this time it will be hard
But I never want to leave you
We've never had a fight
You should never split a pole
You should never split at all
I wish I had two paths that I could follow
I'd write the ending without any sorrow

I will say a prayer, just while you are sitting there
I will wrap my hands around you
I know it will be fine
We've got a fantasy affair
We didn't get wet, we didn't dare
Our aspirations, are wrapped up in books
Our inclinations are hidden in looks

Summer's hastening on
I'm trying to get a feeling from the city
But I've been unfaithful
I've been travelling abroad
We've got a fantasy affair
We didn't get wet, we didn't dare
Our aspirations, are wrapped up in books
Our inclinations are hidden in looks



All comments from YouTube:

@hopelines1397

One of the first songs I discovered from Belle and Sebastian. I knew instantly: I had found a better place.

@shortallliam3142

Well said 😁

@Rorshach1004

Great song and vid. Reminds me of my student days when the world still had possibilities.

@Alpha_7227

Such a perfect pop song, reminds me of those great songs from the mid 60's. Beautiful. You can listen to this song all day and focus on what each instrument including vocals, and find something new every time. Brilliant.

@jerichogonzales1290

This is pop? How?

@littlelou8486

Does anyone know who the girl with long hair is?

@charold3

Wish I could write just ONE SONG this good. I could die happy, singing my one song, so good that others around me and my deathbed, would sing it too, all of us with smiles on our faces. Seriously, this is one great tune. Mr. Murdoch has the gift like no one else these days. John and Paul had it; so did Paul Simon, Joni, Cole Porter, a few others.

@adohertyspam5978

words cant explain how this song makes me feel - every time i hear it, i am brought back to being 17 on train rides in europe and reading camus

@tarheel8494

i love the production on this album. hearing the occasional scrape of the guitar strings on the frets, for example, makes me hear the music as more organic than it might sound at first.

@thedivineedgar3029

was just listening on headphones.
it's very dry compared to older stuff.
i dig it.

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