Born of the 2010's folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock an… Read Full Bio ↴Born of the 2010's folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving sound of the indie genre. Having performed hundreds of shows on stages across the country, they gravitate toward high-energy melodies, featuring the kinetic percussion of Dan Rickabus, the silky, driving bass lines of Ben Zito and playful guitar leads from front women Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury. Counterbalancing their lively stage presence, their lyrics extol the shadow side of the human condition, delving into mythology and themes of darkness and inner conflict. The band softens the blows of their emotional candor with soulful three-part vocal harmonies, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal. To date, they have released five full length albums, including their 2020 live album, "Here I Am".

The Glacier House
The Crane Wives Lyrics

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I saw your breath you bastard, I need to know
I saw your eyes so sweet go cold, cold
Cold as I could never know

You built the glacier house in the fading summer
You cursed the Earth you settled under, under
Understand I had to go

Bundle up darling, you're on your own now
Seasons change as they do
Maybe I'll see you, when you're shivering is through

You sought to hold yourself in, wait out the weather
Yeah close the gate on love forever, ever
Every waking night

Bundle up darling, you're on your own
Seasons change as they do
Maybe I'll see you, when you're shivering is through

Bundle up darling, you made this bed now

Sleep in it slowly if you can
I am not one to live with regret

Overall Meaning

The Glacier House by The Crane Wives is a haunting and despairing song about a relationship falling apart. The lyrics seem to be aimed at a person who has caused the singer some pain, possibly through deceit or betrayal. The opening lines, "I saw your breath you bastard, I need to know, I saw your eyes so sweet go cold, cold, Cold as I could never know" suggest that the singer has caught their partner out in a lie or has discovered they have been unfaithful. The use of the word "bastard" underlines the feelings of hurt and anger.

The middle section of the song has a sense of resignation to it; the partner is accused of having "built the glacier house in the fading summer" and is understood to have "cursed the Earth you settled under". The metaphor of the glacier house is potent and creates an image of something temporary and insubstantial, something that will melt and disappear over time. This suggests that the relationship was built on shaky foundations and was never destined to last. The singer acknowledges she "had to go" even though it was painful.

In the final section, the singer advises the partner to "Bundle up darling, you made this bed now, Sleep in it slowly if you can, I am not one to live with regret". The use of the phrase "made this bed" suggests the partner is responsible for the current situation, and that they will have to deal with the consequences. The final lines, "I am not one to live with regret" imply the singer has made peace with the situation and has moved on. Overall, the song is a melancholic, sad reflection on love and loss.

Line by Line Meaning

I saw your breath you bastard, I need to know
I noticed your breathing pattern, and I demand to know the truth

I saw your eyes so sweet go cold, cold
I saw your kind, loving eyes turn cold and distant

Cold as I could never know
Your demeanor was colder than I've ever experienced

You built the glacier house in the fading summer
You constructed an uninviting home during the end of a warm season

You cursed the Earth you settled under, under
You have a deep hatred for the land upon which you reside

Understand I had to go
I needed to leave that cold, unforgiving environment

Bundle up darling, you're on your own now
Prepare for the harsh conditions, you're alone in this now

Seasons change as they do
The natural world moves on, as it always has

Maybe I'll see you, when you're shivering is through
Perhaps we'll reunite when you're no longer struggling in this cold environment

You sought to hold yourself in, wait out the weather
You tried to tough out this difficult situation on your own

Yeah close the gate on love forever, ever
You believe love is not possible or worthwhile