Meaning of Ribs by Lorde

In Lorde's hauntingly powerful song "Ribs," she delves deep into the internal struggles of youth, the fear of growing old, and the longing for a sense of eternal youthfulness. The recurring theme throughout the song is the passage of time and the anxiety that comes with it. Lorde's poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bittersweet experiences of adolescence and the fleeting nature of youth.One of the standout lyrics in "Ribs" is "The drink you spilt all over me, 'Lover's Spit' left on repeat." This line conjures up images of reckless abandon, the thrill of first love, and the intoxicating effect it can have on a young heart. The "drink" symbolizes the spilled emotions and vulnerability that come with falling in love, while "Lover's Spit" represents the raw and messy nature of passionate relationships. This lyric speaks to the theme of youthful ardor and the way it leaves a lasting impression on our lives, forever shaping our understanding of love and intimacy.Another poignant line in the song is "My mum and dad let me stay home, it drives you crazy, getting old." This verse captures the transition from childhood to adulthood and the tension that arises between independence and nostalgia. The narrator cherishes the freedom to stay home, a privilege that represents the liberation from parental authority. However, there is an underlying fear associated with the aging process, as getting old means relinquishing the carefree innocence of youth. This lyric explores the theme of the conflicting desires for autonomy and the desire to hold on to the fleeting days of youth.Lorde continues to explore the longing for eternal youthfulness in the bridge of the song. The lyrics "I want 'em back, I want 'em back, the minds we had, the minds we had" resonate with anyone who has looked back on their youth with nostalgia, yearning for the unbridled imagination and sense of possibility that once defined them. This verse taps into the universal yearning to reclaim the unencumbered mindset of childhood, where dreams had no limits and the world was boundless. It suggests a theme of longing for a return to the purity and innocence of youth, even as the clock continues to tick forward.The refrain of "You're the only friend I need, sharing beds like little kids, and laughing till our ribs get tough, but that will never be enough" unveils the deep-rooted fear of loneliness and the desire for deep connections that transcend time. This section highlights the yearning for lasting friendships and the fear that even the closest bonds will eventually fade away. It speaks to the theme of the eternal search for genuine connections that can withstand the test of time.In "Ribs," Lorde masterfully explores the raw emotions and vulnerabilities associated with youth and the fear of growing older. Each lyric adds a layer of depth to the overarching theme of the song, delving into unexpected and imaginative themes such as the transformative power of first love, the conflicting desires for independence and nostalgia, the longing for the carefree mindset of youth, and the quest for lasting connections. Through her evocative storytelling, Lorde captures the essence of the human experience - the fear of time slipping away and the longing for a sense of eternal youthfulness.