The Fire
Places Lyrics

The lyrics to Places' song "The Fire" convey a sense of detachment and indifference towards the hardships and struggles of life. The opening line, "Never broken a bone trying to hold on to something so hard," suggests a refusal to be emotionally invested or vulnerable. Stepping into "another yard" and observing where the spiders went symbolizes a detachment from the worries and concerns of others.

The lyrics highlight the idea of embracing one's inner "monster," someone who doesn't care about their own well-being and isn't concerned with the opinions or acceptance of others. The line "Having teeth that can break without breaking" signifies the strength to endure difficulties without being shattered.

The theme of isolation and alienation is also present in the lyrics. The line "No one wants to be your friend" suggests a sense of loneliness, while observing others worry excessively and struggle to breathe conveys a contrast to the singer's ability to simply exist and "breathe all the time."

The lyrics further explore a sense of disillusionment. The imagery of reaching the top of a tree and discovering there are only branches raises the question of whether it's a hill or a fall. This metaphor reflects a sense of uncertainty and the realization that life may not always lead to expected outcomes.

The song also touches upon the desire to escape and seek solace elsewhere. The line "Let's travel and sing together" suggests a longing for freedom and the idea that things could be worse. The reference to "stone walls and screen doors that won't close on us yet" hints at the possibility of escape, symbolizing the need to find a way out of restrictive circumstances.

Overall, "The Fire" portrays a narrator who observes life's struggles from a detached perspective, choosing not to be consumed by them.