Bigger Than the Whole Sky
Taylor Swift Lyrics
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Salt streams out my eyes and into my ears
Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness
'Cause it's all over now, all out to sea
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
You were bigger than the whole sky
You were more than just a short time
I've got a lot to live without
I'm never gonna meet
What could've been, would've been
What should've been you
What could've been, would've been you
Did some bird flap its wings over in Asia?
Did some force take you because I didn't pray?
Every single thing to come has turned into ashes
'Cause it's all over, it's not meant to be
So I'll say words I don't believe
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
You were bigger than the whole sky
You were more than just a short time
And I've got a lot to pine about
I've got a lot to live without
I'm never gonna meet
What could've been, would've been
What should've been you
(What could've been, would've been)
(What could've been, would've been)
What could've been, would've been
What should've been you
(What could've been, would've been)
What could've been, would've been you
(Could've been, would've been)
(Could've been, would've been)
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
You were bigger than the whole sky
You were more than just a short time
And I've got a lot to pine about
I've got a lot to live without
I'm never gonna meet
What could've been, would've been
What should've been you
In "Bigger Than the Whole Sky," Taylor Swift poetically explores the feelings of grief and loss after a relationship ends. The opening lines describe the aftermath of the breakup, where the singer is left with no words as salt streams from their eyes and every touch brings sadness. The repetition of "goodbye" emphasizes the finality of the end of the relationship, and the chorus helps to convey just how much the person meant to the singer. The lines "you were bigger than the whole sky" and "you were more than just a short time" suggest that this person had a tremendous impact on the singer's life, even though the time they spent together may have been relatively brief.
As the song progresses, the singer wonders about the possibility of alternate outcomes. They wonder if they could have prayed more or done something differently to prevent the breakup. But ultimately, the singer resigns themselves to the fact that the relationship is over - "it's all over, it's not meant to be." The final lines of the song serve as a mournful farewell to what could have been.
Overall, "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" is a beautiful and emotional exploration of loss and heartbreak. Through her words, Taylor Swift captures the essence of the grieving process and makes it something that we can all relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
No words appear before me in the aftermath
I am completely speechless and don't know what to say or do
Salt streams out my eyes and into my ears
I am crying so much that my tears are running into my ears
Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness
The depression from breaking up is so strong that it affects every part of my life
'Cause it's all over now, all out to sea
The relationship is completely over and gone forever
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
I am saying goodbye to the person and the relationship
You were bigger than the whole sky
The person was incredibly important and special to me
You were more than just a short time
The relationship was significant and meant a lot to me
And I've got a lot to pine about
I have a lot of memories and things to miss about the person and the relationship
I've got a lot to live without
I have to learn to live without the person and the relationship
I'm never gonna meet
I won't ever find someone like them again
What could've been, would've been
I am thinking about what could have happened if things had gone differently
What should've been you
The person and the relationship should have worked out and been successful
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jack Michael Antonoff, Taylor Alison Swift
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@myleantreat
In the first verse, I mourned an old relationship.
In the second verse, I mourned those who lost loved ones.
In the comments, I looked up the meaning of the bird in Asia, and it dawned on me this song is also about stillbirths, and I mourned that!
And then I cried those salty streams from my eyes, thinking about my infertility and how I’m never gonna meet what could’ve been, would’ve been, should’ve been …you.
Damn you, Taylor. Why you gotta do us like this? This song relates to so much! It deserves more views!
@sssadprose1751
the “goodbye, goodbye, goodbye” is so hauntingly beautiful
@SimranKaur-js4lz
Ikr?? Gives bye bye baby vibes
@itsme1512
Whole album is, hauntingly beautiful
@tayjo1820
I repeat for that part🫠
@arecaceae
yeah a total proof of a genius songwriting jesus...
@MFLapin
every lyric is gorgeous.
@irisrodriguez1251
I’m reading y’all’s comments. I am sorry so deeply sorry for all of your losses. I’m grateful Taylor made this beautiful song and it helps you all all different ways. I wish nothing but peace to you all.
@angelsworld1733
Same so sad😥😢😭😭
@matildefabiolajara3283
thank you
@wonuswife
Thanks