Shelter
Xx The Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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?
The song "Shelter" by The xx is a deeply introspective and emotional piece about finding shelter in another person. The lyrics are largely metaphorical, using shelter as a stand-in for safety, comfort, and love. The singer is asking their partner for reassurance and trying to mend what might have gone wrong in their relationship. The phrase "under cover hideaway" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer is seeking a place to hide from the outside world and feel safe.
The repeated line "maybe I had said something that was wrong" highlights the singer's insecurities and fears of possibly having ruined their relationship, but they still believe that they can make things better with the lights turned on. This could be a metaphor for exposing their vulnerabilities and fears, or for admitting to any mistakes they might have made. The overall message of the song is that being vulnerable and honest with someone else can create a sense of safety and shelter that is hard to find elsewhere.
Some possible meanings behind the lyrics could be, finding love in the midst of life’s difficulties and connecting with someone that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Another possible interpretation is that the song is about two people who have been through some tough times and are leaning on each other for support.
Line by Line Meaning
I find shelter in this way
I am finding comfort and solace in this particular method or approach
Under cover hideaway
I am finding refuge or protection from the outside world and its challenges
And can you hear when I say
Do you understand the depth of emotion I am expressing?
I have never felt this way?
This is a new and intense experience for me
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
I am questioning whether I made a mistake or did something to cause problems
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I fix this issue once I have more clarity and understanding?
Could I be? Was I there?
Did I truly experience what I thought I did? Am I mistaken?
It felt so crystal in the air
The moment was clear and vivid, almost surreal
I still want to drown whenever you leave
I feel lost and overwhelmed when you are gone
Please teach me gently how to breathe
I need help and guidance to cope with this situation
And I'll cross oceans like never before
I am willing to go to great lengths to show how much I care
So you can feel the way I feel it too
I want you to experience the same intense emotions that I do
And I'll mirror images back at you
I will reflect your own feelings back to you
So you can see the way I feel it too
So you can better understand the depth of my emotions
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
I am still unsure if I caused any harm or misunderstandings
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I resolve this issue with a clearer perspective?
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
I am still questioning my actions and their consequences
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can I bring clarity and understanding to this situation?
Maybe I had said something that was wrong
I am still seeking clarity and understanding
Can I make it better with the lights turned on?
Can a new level of insight improve this situation?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Romy Anna Madley Croft, Oliver David Sim, James Thomas Smith, Baria Qureshi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind