But then, something happened that took away that sense of carefreeness. And that something was falling in love with the addressee. So now, it’s like for the first time ever, the vocalist actually has “something to lose”.
So even though it can be taken that she was content beforehand, now Phoebe is celebrating being smitten. And that is because being in such a state, even if it does inherently carry emotional risks, makes life more edifying overall.
“Sidelines“ was released in April 2022 and included in the show “Conversations with Friends” (adapted from Sally Rooney’s book of the same name). Phoebe Bridgers is a fan of the author and at the time of release declared it would be her only new music of 2022. An early version of this song was released on Soundcloud by Ruby Henley and Marshall Vore with a different second verse sung by Ruby.
Sidelines
Phoebe Bridgers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Not dying in a fire, not being broke again
I'm not afraid of living on a fault line
'Cause nothing ever shakes me, nothing makes me cry
Not a plane going down
In the ocean and drowning
Had nothing to prove
'Til you came into my life
Gave me something to lose
Now I know what it feels like
To wanna go outside
Like the shape of my outline
I'm not afraid of going back to school
I gave it up the first time, but I'll try again
I'm not afraid of getting older
Used to fetishize myself
Now I'm talking to my house plants
Not of being alone, oh
In a room full of people
Watching the world from the sidelines
Had nothing to prove
'Til you came into my life
Gave me something to lose
Now I know what it feels like
To want to go outside
Like the shape of my outline
And I used to think
You could hear the ocean in a seashell
What a childish thing
The lyrics of "Sidelines" by Phoebe Bridgers convey a sense of fearlessness and resilience in the face of adversity. The singer declares that they are not afraid of anything, whether it be the fear of death in a fire or the fear of financial instability. They even claim to be unafraid of living on a fault line, metaphorically suggesting that they can withstand any turmoil or chaos that comes their way. The lyrics emphasize their emotional strength by stating that nothing can shake them or make them cry.
However, the tone of the song shifts when the singer introduces a new element into their life. They describe watching the world from the sidelines, implying that they have been observing life passively without actively participating or taking risks. This changes when someone, presumably a romantic partner, enters their life. This person gives them something worth losing, something that fills their life with meaning and purpose. The singer now understands what it feels like to have a desire to go outside and experience life fully. The line "like the shape of my outline" can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling alive and visible in the world.
The second verse suggests that the singer is not afraid of pursuing personal growth and embracing new experiences. They express a willingness to go back to school, despite having given up before, showing a renewed determination. The fear of getting older is dismissed, indicating a shift in perspective from self-obsession to nurturing their surroundings. They now find solace in communicating with their house plants, symbolizing a newfound connection with nature and a sense of grounding.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Marshall Kenneth Vore, Phoebe Lucille Bridgers, Ruby Rain Henley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@usedtobecool6874
I'm not afraid of anything at all
Not dying in a fire, not being broke again
I'm not afraid of living on a fault line
'Cause nothing ever shakes me
Nothing makes me cry
Not a plane going down
In the ocean, I'm drowning
Watch the world from the sidelines
Had nothing to prove
'Til you came into my life
Gave me something to lose
Now I know what it feels like
To wanna go outside
Like the shape of my outline
I'm not afraid of going back to school
I gave it up the first time, but I'll try again
I'm not afraid of getting older
Used to fetishize myself
Now I'm talking to my house plants
Not of being alone
In a room full of people
Watching the world from the sidelines
Had nothing to prove
'Til you came into my life
Gave me something to lose
Now I know what it feels like
To wanna go outside
Like the shape of my outline
And I used to think
You could hear the ocean in a seashell
What a childish thing!
@Melkraudy
she seems so much happier this tour. i love it.
@soozm8520
She's gained a lot of success and is in love so I think she's doin well ! Glad to see her happy
@user-wl6ew5eq1e
too bad there are vaxx mandates or I would see her again
@AJandWrmyinitials
@@user-wl6ew5eq1e what are you talking about? Nobody is forcing you to get vaxxed (no mandate), but they don’t have to let you into their establishment if you refuse to take a perfectly safe shot that protects others around you from getting sick.
@quentinmitchell3047
@@user-wl6ew5eq1e L
@lettussy
@@user-wl6ew5eq1e imagine being anti vaccine when it is scientifically proven they do no harm
@damiencamerino457
Every single person on tour looks like they could be the “cool aunt” or “cool uncle”. I love their energy
@sxysteve87
What a weird thing to say
@robertfrost8264
I love how popular she's gotten over the past few years. She deserves ALL the love <3
@michaelwaters3859
Ikr! And I feel lucky to have seen her rise.