Shelter
The-XX Lyrics


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I find shelter in this way
Under cover hideaway
And can you hear when I say
I have never felt this way?

Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?

Could I be? Was I there?
It felt so crystal in the air
I still want to drown whenever you leave
Please teach me gently how to breathe

And I'll cross oceans like never before
So you can feel the way I feel it too
And I'll mirror images back at you
So you can see the way I feel it too

Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?

Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?




Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?

Overall Meaning

The XX's "Shelter" is a song about seeking refuge in someone else's affection. The singer of the song, who is feeling vulnerable and exposed, has found protection and solace in their lover. They are asking for reassurance and guidance, as they feel lost in their emotions, and they are willing to do everything to make this connection last.


The opening lines "I find shelter in this way, under cover hideaway" sets up the theme of seeking refuge, and the desire to escape from the outside world to find comfort and safety. The lyrics "And I'll cross oceans like never before, so you can feel the way I feel it too" highlights their commitment to doing everything they can to maintain this safe space, even if it means going to great lengths.


The chorus, which repeats the line "Maybe I had said something that was wrong, can I make it better with the lights turned on?" shows the singer's insecurity and vulnerability. They are recognizing that they might have done something to break this sanctuary they have found, and they want to make amends. The final repetition of this line creates a sense of urgency, as if they are seeking validation from their lover.


Overall, "Shelter" is a song that beautifully captures the emotions of vulnerability, love, and the desire to protect and be protected.


Line by Line Meaning

I find shelter in this way
I find comfort from my troubles by diving into my music


Under cover hideaway
My music provides me with a safe haven to hide from the world


And can you hear when I say
Do you understand what I'm trying to convey through my music?


I have never felt this way?
I've never had such a deep emotional connection with anything or anyone before


Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Perhaps I've made a mistake or said something that I regret


Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I find a solution to fix the situation by facing it head-on and dealing with it directly?


Could I be? Was I there?
Was I truly present and aware during that moment?


It felt so crystal in the air
The moment was so intense and clear that it's permanently etched in my memory


I still want to drown whenever you leave
I feel like I'm drowning and can't function properly when you're not around


Please teach me gently how to breathe
Please help me find a way to cope and catch my breath in your absence


And I'll cross oceans like never before
I'll go to great lengths and overcome obstacles just to be with you


So you can feel the way I feel it too
So you can experience the same emotions as me and understand the depth of my feelings


And I'll mirror images back at you
I'll reflect your emotions and experiences back to you


So you can see the way I feel it too
So you can recognize and understand the intensity of my emotions


Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Perhaps I've made a mistake or said something that I regret


Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I find a solution to fix the situation by facing it head-on and dealing with it directly?


Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Perhaps I've made a mistake or said something that I regret


Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I find a solution to fix the situation by facing it head-on and dealing with it directly?


Maybe I had said something that was wrong
Perhaps I've made a mistake or said something that I regret


Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I find a solution to fix the situation by facing it head-on and dealing with it directly?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Romy Anna Madley Croft, Oliver David Sim, James Thomas Smith, Baria Qureshi

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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