You Could Be Love
TV on the Radio Lyrics
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To some bright holy light from above
You could bravely be the first to spill this vile demon's blood
Oh, you could, you could
You could keep your best reasons
In empty bottles, behind locked doors
You could be the contents of 100 tiny plastic bags
Emptied onto dirty kitchen tables
You could be love
You could be held so warm
In these arms
In these arms
You could be held aloft
So strong, So strong
You could be invited to invent a new whole language
Devoid of all its current deathly pain and suffering
You could be darkness
You could be so so dark
Forever folding in, folding in yourself
Totally disappearing
Still you could get lost
You could be love
You could be held so warm
In these arms
In these arms
You could be held aloft
So soft, So strong
*Humming and hollering noises*
The lyrics to TV on the Radio's song "You Could Be Love" are a mix of introspective musings and hopeful statements about the potential for love and light within oneself. The first stanza is particularly striking, as it presents a choice between surrendering to something greater or actively fighting against darkness ("spilling this vile demon's blood"). The mention of "empty bottles" and "tiny plastic bags" hints at substance abuse issues, which may tie into the idea of surrendering or fighting against one's own demons. The second stanza takes a more positive turn, suggesting that one could create something entirely new and free of pain and suffering. The line "you could be darkness" is especially intriguing, as it suggests that darkness is not something to be feared or avoided but rather embraced as a part of oneself. The chorus repeats the phrase "you could be love", reinforcing the idea that love is something that one can choose to embody and hold onto, even when things feel dark or difficult. The song ends with a series of wordless vocalizations, which add to its dreamy, introspective mood.
Line by Line Meaning
You could say I surrender on all fours
I admit defeat and submit to a higher power.
To some bright holy light from above
This higher power is often associated with religious imagery.
You could bravely be the first to spill this vile demon's blood
You have the potential to defeat your inner demons and take control of your life.
You could keep your best reasons
You may have valid reasons for your actions or decisions.
In empty bottles, behind locked doors
But you hide them away and keep them to yourself.
You could be the contents of 100 tiny plastic bags
You are made of many different aspects that may seem small or insignificant on their own.
Emptied onto dirty kitchen tables
But when you bring them all together they can create something beautiful and meaningful.
You could be love
You have the potential to be a source of love and affection.
You could be held so warm
You could experience love and warmth from others.
In these arms
This love could come from a significant other or someone close to you.
You could be held aloft
You could also feel empowered and lifted up.
So strong, So strong
You have the potential to be strong and resilient.
You could be invited to invent a new whole language
You have the ability to create and innovate.
Devoid of all its current deathly pain and suffering
This creation could bring about positive change and healing.
You could be darkness
You also have the potential to embody darkness and negativity.
You could be so so dark
This darkness can consume you from within.
Forever folding in, folding in yourself
You may feel trapped and isolated, suffocating under the weight of your own negative emotions.
Totally disappearing
You may feel like you are losing yourself and your sense of identity.
Still you could get lost
Despite these negative feelings, there is still potential for hope and change.
So soft, So strong
You have the potential to be gentle and caring, while also being strong and resilient.
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.