Black Rainbow
St.Vincent Lyrics
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Match the curtains and the floor
I think I'm glass I think I'm breaking it
Wrecking ball outside the door
Let the children act like furniture
For the ladies of the lawn
But I can't see them, I can't see at all.
Here it's nighttime, all the time
Bird outside the kitchen, fightin' his reflection
Tell him I got nothin' for him
Bird outside the kitchen, fightin' his reflection
What's he gonna win when he wins?
The unkissed boys and girls of paradise
Are lining up around the block
Back pockets full of dynamite
While neighbors talk and talk and talk
Bird outside the kitchen fightin' his reflection
Tell him I got nothin' for him
Bird outside the kitchen fightin' his reflection
What's he gonna win when he wins?
Throw
the phone out the window
If you want the neighbors woke
You'll have to shout out loud and set the bell and slow
If you want the neighbors woke
You'll have to shout even louder
The lyrics of "Black Rainbow" by St. Vincent can be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations and pressures. The title "Black Rainbow" refers to a dark twist on the typically hopeful symbol of a rainbow, implying that even the good things in life can have a negative side. The line "let the children act like furniture for the ladies of the lawn" suggests that youth are often used as props to maintain appearances or societal norms. This is reinforced by the image of "unkissed boys and girls of paradise" who are "lining up around the block" with "back pockets full of dynamite" - they may seem innocent and pure, but they are explosive and rebellious underneath.
The lyrics also portray the singer as feeling trapped or isolated. They feel like they are "breaking" and being destroyed by a "wrecking ball outside the door", while also feeling disconnected from their community. For example, they cannot see anyone else around them, and seem to be in a perpetual state of darkness. This is reinforced by the line "bird outside the kitchen, fightin' his reflection", suggesting that the singer feels like they are fighting against themselves and cannot escape their own perceptions.
In essence, "Black Rainbow" can be seen as an exploration of the darker aspects of conformity and societal pressure, while also highlighting the isolation and disconnection that can result from trying to fit in.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a black rainbow above my house
I am feeling gloomy and hopeless, with a sense of impending doom hovering over me like an ominous black rainbow.
Match the curtains and the floor
The feeling of despair has seeped into every aspect of my life, making everything match my dark mood.
I think I'm glass I think I'm breaking it
I feel fragile and on the verge of shattering under the weight of my emotions and external pressures.
Wrecking ball outside the door
It feels like there is a force beyond my control threatening to tear down everything I hold dear.
Let the children act like furniture
Letting the innocent and vulnerable children be used as objects by the pretentious and superficial women of society.
For the ladies of the lawn
For the wealthy and privileged women who are obsessed with maintaining appearances and following societal norms.
But I can't see them, I can't see at all.
I don't fit into this shallow world and feel like an outsider, invisible and unable to see anything of value.
Here it's nighttime, all the time
Metaphorically, I am in a dark place where it feels like there is no hope or light.
Bird outside the kitchen, fightin' his reflection
The bird outside represents the idea of fighting against oneself, an internal struggle that is futile and exhausting.
Tell him I got nothin' for him
I have nothing to offer, and there is no comfort or solution to be found in my current state.
What's he gonna win when he wins?
Even if the bird succeeds in defeating its own reflection, there is no real victory or meaning in such a victory.
The unkissed boys and girls of paradise
Innocent individuals who are unable to experience the joys of life, trapped in an idealized and unachievable version of paradise.
Are lining up around the block
Despite their lack of experience, these individuals are eager to conform to societal expectations and be accepted by others.
Back pockets full of dynamite
Symbolic of the dangerous and explosive potential of those who feel trapped and unable to fulfill their desires and dreams.
While neighbors talk and talk and talk
Society is focused on superficial gossip and judgment rather than addressing the deeper issues faced by individuals.
Throw the phone out the window
An urge to disconnect from outside pressures and distractions and focus inwardly.
If you want the neighbors woke
Challenging society's ignorance and pushing for greater awareness and understanding.
You'll have to shout out loud and set the bell and slow
A call to action that requires being vocal and persistent, challenging societal norms and pushing for change.
If you want the neighbors woke
Repeating the earlier call to action, emphasizing the importance of awareness and change.
You'll have to shout even louder
Highlighting the difficulty of challenging societal norms and pushing for genuine progress and change.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANNE ERIN CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind