Bloodflood
alt-J Lyrics


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C-O-double M-O-N
A wave, an awesome wave,
That rushes skin and widens in blooded veins.
Breathe in, exhale,
I've poked a nerve he'll slap me like a whale
Slaps the C-O-double M-O-N.

Tide out, tide in,
A flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams.
Breathe in, exhale,
I've poked a nerve he'll slap me like a whale
Slaps the C-O-double M-O-N.




Flood of blood to the heart.
Flood flood flood of blood blood blood to the heart heart heart, to the heart, heart, heart.

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Alt-J's song "Bloodflood" allude to a powerful and overwhelming force that rushes through the body - a wave that widens veins and carries with it a rush of blood. The lyrics suggest that this force is controlled by something larger than ourselves, as the C-O-double M-O-N (possibly referencing a sea monster or a god-like figure) slaps the wave and exerts its power over us. The wave is both a physical and emotional sensation, as it represents the rush of adrenaline or fear that can take over the body and mind.


As the chorus repeats, the imagery of a flood of blood to the heart becomes even more pronounced. This seems to represent the overwhelming impact of certain emotions, particularly fear or anxiety, on our bodies. The "fear slipstreams" suggest that these emotions can create a current that carries us along, even when we feel powerless to control them. The repetition of "breathe in, exhale" creates a sense of cyclical motion, as though the singer is trying to regain control of their body and mind through deep breathing.


Overall, "Bloodflood" is a song that uses powerful and visceral imagery to explore the impact of emotions on our bodies and psyches. The lyrics suggest that we are at the mercy of forces larger than ourselves, but also that we have the power to control our reactions and responses through breathing and mindfulness.


Line by Line Meaning

C-O-double M-O-N
The singer is calling out to the creature known as the 'common' which serves as a symbol for the frightening and overwhelming aspect of the world around them.


A wave, an awesome wave, That rushes skin and widens in blooded veins.
The singer suggests that life can be compared to a powerful wave that overcomes and affects the body, causing physical reactions such as widening veins and a 'bloodflood' sensation.


Breathe in, exhale, I've poked a nerve he'll slap me like a whale Slaps the C-O-double M-O-N.
The singer acknowledges that their actions have consequences and could lead to painful consequences, using the metaphor of a whale slapping the 'common' creature as a representation of this danger.


Tide out, tide in, A flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams.
The artist continues the wave metaphor, describing the ebb and flow of emotions that run through their body like a tide. They also mention the physical sensation of fear and how it affects their bloodflow.


Flood of blood to the heart. Flood flood flood of blood blood blood to the heart heart heart, to the heart, heart, heart.
The repetition of 'flood of blood to the heart' emphasizes the intense physical response the artist is experiencing due to the overwhelming emotions and sensations described throughout the song.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Augustus Figaro Niso Unger-Hamilton, Gwilym David Dylan Sainsbury, Joe Jerome Newman, Thomas Stuart Green

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Sʌʀ Pʜɩʀʌ Bʜʋtto


on Every Other Freckle

nice

Zonnebloem Flower


on Every Other Freckle

sweet.

Jose Helder Peres Serrano


on Every Other Freckle

I LIKE

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