I
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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I die when you walk by
So beautiful and strong
Each day you pass my way
In your bubble where nothing goes wrong

You think your youth
A permanent truth
But here is a tear for your eye:
Having forgotten how to cry




I die

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields's song "I Die" is a complex portrayal of unrequited love and the agony that comes with it. The lyrics are filled with intense emotion that reflects the pain of loving someone who is undoubtedly beautiful, but who is also out of reach. As the singer of the song sees this person walk by every day, he slowly withers away, unable to bear the weight of his unrequited love.


The imagery in the song is powerful, as the singer sees the object of his affections as being beautiful and strong. This creates a sense of awe in him, as he is drawn to this person's physical and emotional power. However, there is also a sense of isolation and sadness that permeates the lyrics, as the singer acknowledges that he is not a part of the person's life, only an observer from afar.


The final lines of the song are particularly poignant, as the singer mourns the loss of his ability to feel deeply. He is so consumed by his love for this person that he has forgotten how to cry, which is a testament to the intensity of the emotion he is experiencing. Overall, "I Die" is a powerful and moving portrayal of love and longing.


Line by Line Meaning

I die when you walk by
Your presence overwhelms me and I feel as though I cease to exist.


So beautiful and strong
You possess both physical attractiveness and emotional fortitude, qualities which make it harder for me to resist your charms.


Each day you pass my way
Your regular and consistent appearance in my surroundings only intensifies the effect you have on me.


In your bubble where nothing goes wrong
You live in a seemingly perfect world where problems don't affect you, but I am not a part of that world and constantly face hardships.


You think your youth
You believe that your current state of being is impervious to the effects of time.


A permanent truth
You perceive your youthful state as an unchangeable and perpetual fact of your existence.


But here is a tear for your eye:
Despite my admiration for you, I offer you my sympathy and sadness for the fact that you will eventually face adversity as well.


Having forgotten how to cry
Your emotional detachment has caused you to lose touch with your capacity for expressing emotions or empathizing with others.


I die
Your youth and beauty highlight my own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, causing me to balk in comparison and feel as though a part of me has died.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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