Staircase
Rhesus Lyrics


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breathe little sparks
the ghost of the tramline
lightning the path
the moon drew the shadow
of what i used to be
next to you, my bloody valentine

swim swim little sparks
no ideas where we're going to




can't you tell?
my bloody valentine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rhesus's song Staircase employ vivid imagery and metaphor to paint a picture of the singer's internal struggle and emotional journey. "Breathe little sparks" may refer to fleeting moments of inspiration or hope that sustain the singer, despite feeling lost and unsure of their direction in life. "The ghost of the tramline" could symbolize the haunting memories or regrets of past actions, while "lightning the path" suggests sudden flashes of illumination that guide the way forward. The moon casting a shadow of "what I used to be" suggests a sense of nostalgia or mourning for lost innocence or idealism.


The repetition of "my bloody valentine" may not necessarily refer to the band of the same name. Rather, it could represent a sense of longing or pain that the singer associates with a past love, perhaps even one that caused them harm. The notion of swimming in uncertainty and the question "can't you tell?" may reflect the singer's desire for reassurance and guidance from a companion or a higher power. Overall, the song evokes a sense of ambivalence, as the singer simultaneously seeks connection and isolation, clarity and mystery.


Line by Line Meaning

breathe little sparks
Inhale small embers that symbolize hope and life.


the ghost of the tramline
The lingering memory of past experiences and connections.


lightning the path
Illuminating the way forward with sudden clarity.


the moon drew the shadow
The lunar surface cast a faint reflection of who I used to be.


of what i used to be
The person I once was lies in the past, unreachable but not forgotten.


next to you, my bloody valentine
Being close to someone can evoke intense emotions, like my heart is wounded yet infatuated.


swim swim little sparks
Moving forward and navigating through life, guided by optimism and resilience.


no ideas where we're going to
Uncertainty and lack of direction is a common occurrence, but we continue to search for our purpose.


can't you tell?
Asking for understanding and recognition of the emotional complexities that come with the human experience.


my bloody valentine
Referring to someone who invokes strong feelings, whether they bring joy or pain.




Contributed by Dylan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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