Shelter
The XX (Birdy Cover) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under cover, hide away
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
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
The XX's song Shelter, as interpreted by Birdy, is a somber and introspective piece that explores vulnerability and the search for emotional refuge. The lyrics convey the idea of the singer finding solace and comfort in hiding away, seeking shelter from the complexities of human relationships. The opening lines "I find shelter in this way/ Under cover, hide away" suggest that the singer is retreating from a situation that has caused them emotional distress, possibly stemming from a breakdown in communication with a loved one.
The song's theme of communication breakdowns is further emphasized in the lines "Maybe I had said something that was wrong/ Can I make it better with the lights turned on." These lines suggest that the singer has said something that has caused a rift in their relationship, and they are now seeking to mend it. The use of the metaphor of "lights turned on" further accentuates the idea of clarity and understanding.
The lyrics "And I'll cross oceans, like never before/ So you can feel the way I feel it too" convey a sense of devotion and willingness to go to great lengths to be understood. The idea of "mirroring images" suggests that the singer is trying to bridge the gap between themselves and their loved one. The final lines of the song "Maybe I had said something that was wrong/ Can I make it better with the lights turned on" bring the song full circle, emphasizing the singer's desire to correct their mistake and make amends.
Line by Line Meaning
I find shelter, in this way
I feel safe and secure in my own way, finding comfort in my own space.
Under cover, hide away
I seek refuge in solitude and isolation to protect myself.
Can you hear, when I say?
Are you listening to what I'm telling you?
I have never felt this way
This is a new feeling I have never experienced before.
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
Perhaps my words had a negative impact, and I want to rectify it.
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Can I resolve the issue and make things right?
Could I be, was I there?
Could I have been mistaken, or did I miss something?
It felt so crystal in the air
The feeling was palpable, and it was clear as day.
I still want to drown, whenever you leave
I feel lost and alone when you're not with me.
Please teach me gently, how to breathe
Help me find my way and show me how to navigate through life.
And I'll cross oceans, like never before
I'm willing to do anything to make you feel the way I do.
So you can feel the way I feel it too
So you can understand the depth of my emotions.
And I'll mirror images back at you
I will reflect the same level of emotions you have shown me.
So you can see the way I feel it too
So you can truly comprehend my feelings and perspective.
Maybe I had said, something that was wrong
I want to make sure that my words and actions are not hurting you.
Can I make it better, with the lights turned on
Can I rectify the situation and make peace with you?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROMY ANNA MADLEY CROFT, OLIVER DAVID SIM, JAMES THOMAS SMITH, BARIA QURESHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind