Iris
The Breeders Lyrics
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It grows and I sleep standing up
When Iris sleeps over
What a book she'll write
Oh last night
Oh come on, nobody wants that
Sister, sister, oh
We tried hour by hour
Hour by hour
Four hours to daylight, four hours and then
Pour water on me til I live again
When Iris sleeps over
It'll be alright
All last night
But come on, nobody wants that
Sister, sister, oh
We tried hour by hour
Hour by hour
Hour by hour
The lyrics of "Iris" by The Breeders are enigmatic and seem to invite interpretations. Based on the images and metaphors presented, the song appears to be about a state of suspended animation, a liminal space between life and death. The singer seems to be describing a process of being boiled in a pot, which could represent a metaphor for any experience in which we are subjected to intense or prolonged challenges, whether physical or emotional. The mention of growing and sleeping standing up could symbolize resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The refrain "hour by hour" suggests a slow but steady progression towards a goal, a sense of endurance and persistence that is required to overcome obstacles.
The second half of the song brings a new character into the picture: Iris. It is unclear who Iris is or what her relationship is to the singer, but her presence is associated with a sense of hope and writing a book. Perhaps she is a muse who inspires the singer to create something new or a symbol of a better future. The repetition of "come on, nobody wants that" may indicate a reluctance to face the reality of the situation, a desire to escape the present or a plea to keep hope alive in spite of the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
Four hours in the pot, one hour out
The process of growing something takes a lot of time and patience, with four hours of growth in the pot feeling like nothing compared to the one hour it takes to see progress outside of it.
It grows and I sleep standing up
Watching something grow can be a tiring experience, leading to a sense of sleepiness even when standing up.
When Iris sleeps over
Referring to a person named Iris who is spending the night.
What a book she'll write
Iris has lived through interesting experiences that could be the basis for a great book.
Oh last night
A reflective thought on the previous evening's events.
Oh come on, nobody wants that
An acknowledgement that sometimes the truth behind events can be painful or uninteresting, making it better to just let things go unsaid.
Sister, sister, oh
Addressing someone as a sister figure, either literally or figuratively.
We tried hour by hour
Putting in effort to achieve a better outcome, with the emphasis on taking it one hour at a time.
Four hours to daylight, four hours and then
There's a finite amount of time until dawn breaks, and the clock is ticking for making progress until then.
Pour water on me til I live again
Felt perhaps as a metaphor for needing a boost, applying water to a plant in a drought can allow the growth process to continue.
It'll be alright
Despite any difficulties along the way, things will ultimately turn out okay.
All last night
Looking back on the events of the previous night.
But come on, nobody wants that
There may be an interest in sharing the details of what happened, but ultimately it's better to just leave things be.
Sister, sister, oh
Repeating a phrase used earlier to continue addressing someone as a sister figure.
We tried hour by hour
Reiterating the importance of taking things one hour at a time.
Hour by hour
A final emphasis on the steady, perseverant approach to making progress day by day.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KIM DEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheGomJabba
Four hours in the pot, one hour out
It grows and I sleep standing up
When Iris sleeps over
What a book she'll write
Oh last night
Oh come on, nobody wants that
Sister, sister, oh
We tried hour by hour
Hour by hour
Hour by hour
Four hours to daylight, four hours and then
Pour water on me til I live again
When Iris sleeps over
It'll be alright
All last night
But come on, nobody wants that
Sister, sister, oh
We tried hour by hour
Hour by hour
Hour by hour
@mcmark82
Bloody hell. One of the best of their songs. Still sends shivers and make my hair hairs stand on ends. I was just a young teenage girl when I heard them. True legends.
@gammacount1328
Kim & thé Breeders play rock'n'roll !
@jeffmarzick714
The beginnings of the grunge era. I'm with you. A bad ass song for the ages!
@fck_youtube
Breeders melodies and harmonies always give me chills. First minute and a half pure chills.
@squattoilet
I just saw the Breeders at ACL (Austin City Limits) and they ended with this. The performance was just as good as this one. Kim's voice is as good now as it was during the Pixie days. I had tears rolling down my cheeks when they were playing this. It was a time machine.
@bluefishblitz9577
I always loved how Kim forces out the 'hour by hour' on this song. It's like when there's no breath left and still that last line left to sing.
@Tokiofritz
Makes me sound so old, but as much as I search, I can't seem to find any new bands with this amazing combination of personality, attitude, intelligence and talent.
@vincentharris8552
Look up Crayon Pop.
@colonelspaceboots497
look up cosmonauts "oh you know"
@Tokiofritz
@Vincent Harris Thanks, I will!