he’s since released a handful of independent EPs and singles that have solidified his stance as a front runner in the global bedroom pop movement. Influenced by architecture, fashion, film, art and more, the eclectic producer launched his life in music at a young age, beginning with music classes in elementary school and later graduating to band and choir in middle school and high school. After relocating from Kobe, Japan, to Boston in 2011 to study singing/songwriting at Berklee College of Music, rei began to self-release his original music, first releasing his songs on SoundCloud as raybaboon in 2013. He independently released his debut EP, "raybaboon" in 2014, which today counts +28M collective streams. Formally switching monikers in 2014, he’s released a number of breakout projects as rei brown, including the 2016 EP "Lungs", the 2017 double-single “i feel so cold” and the two-part "Lovers" EP series. To date, rei counts +80M cross-platform streams. Across 2020, rei will be released a series of singles starting with quarantine-inspired “Bubble.”
Picture Frames
rei brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know what makes you move in these photographs
Love, I stare at these polaroids
I stare at these polaroids and you're staring back
Deep sleep aviations, in conversations with constellations
Midnight trepidations, the detonations of self-deprecation
Ooo I don't need you anymore
In the song "Picture Frames" by rei brown, the singer reflects on past love and memories through the haunting images captured in polaroids. He initially admits to not understanding what made his lover move in the pictures, but is transfixed by the fact that they seem to be staring back at him. Through the polaroids, he is reminded of moments they shared together and feels a deep longing for them. The chorus, "Ooo I don't need you anymore," can be interpreted as a defense mechanism to protect himself from feeling too attached or vulnerable in the face of old emotions.
However, the lyrics take a darker turn in the second verse. The singer begins to describe "deep sleep aviations," suggesting a kind of dissociation from reality. He then talks about "self-deprecation" and "midnight trepidations" which could hint at issues with mental health or self-destructive behavior. In the context of the rest of the song, it seems that the singer is struggling to come to terms with his past and emotions, and is perhaps using distance and detachment as a coping mechanism.
Overall, "Picture Frames" is a poignant and introspective song that deals with themes of love, memories, and mental health. It captures a complex range of emotions and invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences with past relationships and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, I don't know what makes you move
I don't know what motivates you to act the way you do, my dear.
I don't know what makes you move in these photographs
I don't understand what caused you to pose like that for these pictures.
Love, I stare at these polaroids
I spend time looking at these polaroids, feeling a strong emotion for you.
I stare at these polaroids and you're staring back
As I gaze upon these photos, it's as though you're returning my gaze.
Deep sleep aviations, in conversations with constellations
My mind wanders into the depths of slumber, engaging in dialogue with the stars above.
Midnight trepidations, the detonations of self-deprecation
My anxiety surges at night, causing my self-doubt to explode.
Ooo I don't need you anymore
I've come to the realization that I'm capable of moving on from you.
Contributed by Harper H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.