Clean
TESSE Lyrics
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Sharpened cutlery
A latticework of apology
A cigarette kiss stained the inside of my mouth
Mama loves a sinner so we're sleeping on the sabbath
We say right person
We say wrong time
Heal this lover inside of my mind
I'm tired of illusions
Come here and be alone
A handprint on my cheek
But you kiss the bottle's lips
Stare off and look away
But a captain sinks with her ship
Following your laughter is like love but in a sunset
I know I love this misery but you keep playing Russian Roulette
We say right person
We say wrong time
Heal this lover inside of my mind
All my body's made of is blood and broken bones
I'm tired of illusions
Come here and be alone
All my mama says is stop being a savior
But I can't let 'em go
I'm on my best behavior
Kill myself to make you clean
My father knows a midnight hope is useless
My love can't help you grow
Your name's a cursive letter
Let me know when you're feeling better
Find me here
I'll lay down in the depths
But these airplane jets
They hold your hand instead
We say right person
We say wrong time
Heal this lover inside of my mind
All my body's made of is blood and broken bones
I'm tired of illusions
Come here and be alone
All my mama says is stop being a savior
But I can't let 'em go
I'm on my best behavior
Kill myself to make you clean
My father knows a midnight hope is useless
My love can't help you grow
In the lyrics of TESSE's song "Clean," the artist reflects on a tumultuous and complicated relationship, filled with themes of love, sacrifice, and inner turmoil. The opening lines evoke a sense of self-reflection and introspection, as the artist questions what comes to mind when thinking of them, juxtaposing it with stark imagery of sharpened cutlery and apology. The mention of a "cigarette kiss stained the inside of my mouth" alludes to a toxic and addictive element in the relationship, while "sleeping on the sabbath" hints at a sense of guilt and defiance.
The lyrics delve into the conflict between feeling a deep connection with someone ("right person") but being unable to be together due to timing or circumstances ("wrong time"). The plea to "heal this lover inside of my mind" reveals a desire for emotional healing and resolution. The repetition of being tired of illusions and seeking solace in solitude highlights the emotional exhaustion and longing for authenticity.
The mention of a handprint on the cheek juxtaposed with kissing the bottle's lips symbolizes a cycle of abuse or destructive behavior, while the metaphor of a captain sinking with her ship suggests a sense of loyalty or commitment even in the face of impending downfall. The reference to following laughter like love in a sunset conveys the bittersweet nature of the relationship, where moments of joy are tinged with inevitable sadness and uncertainty.
The lyrics further explore themes of family dynamics, with mentions of a mother urging to stop being a savior and a father acknowledging the futility of a midnight hope. The act of killing oneself metaphorically to make the other person "clean" speaks to the desperation and sacrifice involved in trying to fix or save the relationship. Ultimately, the song captures a complex emotional landscape of love, sacrifice, and inner turmoil, where the artist grapples with conflicting feelings of attachment and self-preservation.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you think of when you think of me
What image comes to mind when you think about me
Sharpened cutlery
A metaphor for sharp words or actions
A latticework of apology
An intricate pattern of apologies
A cigarette kiss stained the inside of my mouth
The lingering taste of a toxic relationship
Mama loves a sinner so we're sleeping on the sabbath
Even flawed individuals deserve love
We say right person
We believe we've found the right match
We say wrong time
Timing is not in our favor
Heal this lover inside of my mind
Help me heal from past relationships
All my body's made of is blood and broken bones
I'm battered but still standing strong
I'm tired of illusions
I'm done with false promises and deceit
Come here and be alone
Find solace in solitude
A handprint on my cheek
Physical evidence of abuse
But you kiss the bottle's lips
Choosing alcohol over affection
Stare off and look away
Avoiding confrontation
But a captain sinks with her ship
Taking responsibility for the consequences
Following your laughter is like love but in a sunset
Chasing fleeting moments of happiness
I know I love this misery but you keep playing Russian Roulette
Choosing destructive patterns despite knowing better
All my mama says is stop being a savior
Advice to prioritize self-care over others
But I can't let 'em go
Struggling to break free from toxic relationships
I'm on my best behavior
Trying to be the best version of myself
Kill myself to make you clean
Sacrificing my well-being for the sake of others
My father knows a midnight hope is useless
Realizing that false hope leads to disappointment
My love can't help you grow
Recognizing that love alone is not enough for personal growth
Your name's a cursive letter
A fleeting memory of a past lover
Let me know when you're feeling better
Open communication about emotional well-being
Find me here
Seeking connection and understanding
I'll lay down in the depths
Willingness to delve into deeper emotional issues
But these airplane jets
Distractions from facing reality
They hold your hand instead
Replacing intimacy with superficial gestures
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Tess Mueske
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind