Winter Solstice
Phœnix Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

A restricted area
Shaped like a petunia
Thank God you know your ways
It's in your mind
It's on all the time

And I found it hard to explain
What would you trade me for
This girl's playing hula hoop
Under the malicious
Winter solstice

Turn the lights on
Find me a narrative
Something positive
This requiem played a few times before
I heard it once
So I'm not sure
On the phone I told you
Why open your eyes to go to bed?
Drive straight to the ocean
Let's see what you won't find out
Even the righteous beheaded their loved ones

Now it's hard to connect
But the world's unchained
And soon
It'll be public domain
It's too hard to remain
Astute
But I will stay
If you're detained
With you
I'll wash my hands
Until it rains
Through you

Keeping the lights on
Obliged to the bygones
Thank god you know your ways
If this time it's true
Why bother reeling you?

All this fine jewelry
Look at this diamond shaped out of glass
I'll try to make this ruby shine nice
I'm tryna make a living
Is that something that you don't mind
Fine
Did you ever think it could have been in our lifetime?

So give me a ride home
Find me a narrative
Something positive
This requiem played a few times before
I heard it twice
So I'm not sure
On the phone I told you
Why open your eyes to go to bed?
Drive straight to the ocean
Let's see what you won't find out
Cover you eyes for winter solstice

Now it's hard to connect
But the world's unchained
And soon
It'll be public domain
It's too hard to remain
Astute
But I will stay
If you're detained
With you
I'll wash my hands




Until it rains
Through you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Winter Solstice" by Phœnix depict a sense of mystery and introspection as the singer navigates through various themes of restriction, self-discovery, and the passage of time. The opening lines, "A restricted area, Shaped like a petunia," suggest a hidden and confined space that may hold deeper symbolic meaning. The mention of knowing one's ways and having it constantly in the mind implies a strong sense of self-awareness and inner strength that guides the individual through challenges.


The reference to a girl playing hula hoop under the "malicious Winter solstice" introduces an element of darkness and uncertainty during a period traditionally associated with rebirth and renewal. The mention of turning on the lights and seeking a positive narrative amidst a requiem that has been played before hints at a desire for clarity and optimism in the face of repeating patterns or struggles.


The lyrics delve into themes of connection, transformation, and the inevitability of change. The singer grapples with the difficulty of remaining astute in a world that is evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly accessible to all. The lines, "Even the righteous beheaded their loved ones," suggest a sense of betrayal or sacrifice within relationships or society at large.


The repeated mentions of washing hands until it rains and the imagery of fine jewelry, diamonds, and rubies being shaped and polished reflect a desire for purification, refinement, and striving for excellence amidst the complexities of existence. The song's ambiguous ending with references to covering eyes for the winter solstice leaves the listener with a sense of enigma, inviting interpretation and reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the search for meaning within it.


Line by Line Meaning

A restricted area
Feeling trapped in a confined space


Shaped like a petunia
A comparison to the beauty and delicacy of a flower


Thank God you know your ways
Grateful for familiarity and comfort in navigating life


It's in your mind
Thoughts constantly circulating and influencing actions


It's on all the time
Perpetual internal reflection and contemplation


And I found it hard to explain
Difficulty articulating feelings or experiences


What would you trade me for
Questioning the value of relationships


This girl's playing hula hoop
Engaging in a carefree activity amidst challenges


Under the malicious
Facing hostility or negativity


Winter solstice
A metaphor for darkness and struggle


Turn the lights on
Seeking clarity and understanding


Find me a narrative
Looking for a meaningful story or explanation


Something positive
Desire for optimism and hope


This requiem played a few times before
Repetitive experiences of loss or mourning


I heard it once
Remembering past struggles


So I'm not sure
Uncertainty about the future


On the phone I told you
Sharing personal thoughts and emotions


Why open your eyes to go to bed?
Questioning the need for awareness in difficult times


Drive straight to the ocean
Seeking solace and peace in nature


Let's see what you won't find out
Exploring the unknown and mysteries of life


Even the righteous beheaded their loved ones
A reference to past injustices and betrayals


Now it's hard to connect
Struggling to find common ground with others


But the world's unchained
A sense of freedom and liberation


And soon
Anticipation of change or transformation


It'll be public domain
Shared experiences and collective understanding


It's too hard to remain
Feeling overwhelmed by challenges


Astute
Sharp-minded and perceptive


But I will stay
Commitment to resilience and perseverance


If you're detained
Supporting someone in times of difficulty


With you
Together in facing adversity


I'll wash my hands
Cleansing oneself of negativity


Until it rains
Waiting for renewal and growth


Through you
Transcending challenges with support




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christian Mazzalai, Laurent Brancowitz, Thomas Croquet, Frederic Moulin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Otto500206

This feels like it's one of the 2010's Phoenix songs and 2000's Phoenix music videos.

@yagop8719

i was bout to say that. 2010 vibe was great and same as this one

@fabegoldar1

Thought the same

@infiniteevil27

Bro this sounds like something off of Alphabetical. Not that I'm complaining, I enjoy 2000s Phoenix

@Otto500206

@@infiniteevil27 More like "What if Alphabetical was made in 2010's?".

@gedemartha9534

@@Otto500206 thats more like it

2 More Replies...

@phinsup402

These legends need to be protected at all costs. Phoenix should be considered something like a world heritage art.

@dreamingofnorthernlights2

I like the way you feel.

@julienjehl2068

je suis d accord

@watashiwavinci

Yes

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