Music often carries profound meanings hidden beneath its melodies and lyrics. One such enigmatic song is “Fineshrine” by Purity Ring. This track, like many others by the Canadian electronic duo, is shrouded in poetic and abstract language that invites listeners to explore its deeper significance. In this post, we will dissect the lyrics of “Fineshrine,” offering interpretations and insights that cater to both long-time fans and new listeners. By the end of this analysis, you will have a clearer understanding of the song’s themes and imagery, enhancing your listening experience.
The Meaning of “Fineshrine” by Purity Ring
“Fineshrine” by Purity Ring is a haunting and ethereal exploration of intimacy and vulnerability. The song delicately balances between the physical and the emotional, weaving lyrics that evoke a sense of both longing and connection. Through its dreamlike melodies and evocative imagery, “Fineshrine” invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world where love is both a sanctuary and a source of raw, unfiltered emotion. The recurring metaphor of a shrine suggests a sacred space where one can tenderly hold and preserve the essence of their loved one. It’s a poignant reminder that true intimacy goes beyond mere physical presence, touching the very core of our souls.
Lyrics
[Intro]
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be under, under you
[Verse 1]
I’ll cut the soft pockets, let bleed
Over the rocky cliffs that you leave
To peer over and not forget what feet are
Splitting threads of thunder over me
[Pre-Chorus]
That I might see with my chest and sink
Into the edges round you
Into the lakes and quarries that brink
On all the edges round you, round you, round you
[Chorus]
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be crowns over you
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be under, under you
[Verse 2]
I’ll cut the soft pockets, let bleed
Over the rocky cliffs that you leave
To peer over and not forget what feet are
Splitting threads of thunder over me
Listen closely, closely to the floor
Emitting all its graces through the pores
You make a fine shrine in me
You build a fine shrine in me
[Pre-Chorus]
That I might see with my chest and sink
Into the edges round you
Into the lakes and quarries that brink
On all the edges round you, round you, round you
[Chorus]
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be crowns over you
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be under, under you
The Ethereal Opening
The song opens with the lines:
“Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be under, under you”
This imagery is both intimate and visceral, suggesting vulnerability and closeness. The phrase “Get a little closer, let fold” can be interpreted as an invitation to intimacy, a call to draw nearer emotionally or physically. The subsequent lines, “Cut open my sternum and pull, My little ribs around you,” evoke a sense of exposing one’s innermost self. The sternum, protecting vital organs, symbolizes barriers we put up. By opening it, the speaker is allowing someone to see their true self, highlighting the theme of vulnerability.
The Ribs and Lungs Imagery
The mention of “ribs” and “lungs” further intensifies this imagery. Ribs protect the heart and lungs, organs essential for life. By wrapping their ribs around someone, the speaker is offering protection and support. This act of merging their being with another’s signifies deep connection and trust. The lungs “under you” suggest a willingness to breathe life into the relationship, underlining the depth of their commitment.
Verse 1 Interpretation
“I’ll cut the soft pockets, let bleed
Over the rocky cliffs that you leave
To peer over and not forget what feet are
Splitting threads of thunder over me”
In the first verse, the imagery takes a darker turn. “I’ll cut the soft pockets, let bleed” can be seen as an act of emotional release or sacrifice. The “soft pockets” might represent vulnerable parts of the self, and the act of cutting them to “bleed” signifies opening up emotionally, even if it causes pain.
Over the Rocky Cliffs
The phrase “Over the rocky cliffs that you leave” adds to this sense of emotional turmoil. Rocky cliffs symbolize difficult obstacles or challenges left by the other person. “To peer over and not forget what feet are” suggests the need to stay grounded despite these challenges. It emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s foundation and identity, even when facing emotional upheaval.
Threads of Thunder
Finally, “Splitting threads of thunder over me” introduces a powerful natural image. Thunder, often associated with storms and turmoil, represents overwhelming emotions. The “threads” suggest something fragile and delicate being torn apart by these powerful feelings, further highlighting the theme of emotional vulnerability and turmoil.
The Pre-Chorus Build-Up
“That I might see with my chest and sink
Into the edges round you
Into the lakes and quarries that brink
On all the edges round you, round you, round you”
The pre-chorus continues to explore themes of emotional depth and connection. “That I might see with my chest and sink” suggests a desire to perceive the world through emotions rather than logic. The chest, housing the heart, is often seen as the center of emotions.
Sinking into Edges
“Sinking into the edges round you” and “Into the lakes and quarries that brink” evoke images of immersion and depth. Lakes and quarries are deep, mysterious places, symbolizing the depths of emotional connection the speaker wants to explore. The repetition of “round you” emphasizes the focus on the other person, suggesting that the speaker’s world revolves around them.
The Chorus’ Emotional Core
The chorus repeats the opening lines, reinforcing the themes of intimacy and vulnerability:
“Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be crowns over you
Get a little closer, let fold
Cut open my sternum and pull
My little ribs around you
The lungs of me be under, under you”
Crowns Over You
The addition of “The lungs of me be crowns over you” introduces a regal imagery. Crowns symbolize honor, respect, and importance. By saying “The lungs of me be crowns over you,” the speaker implies that their very breath, their essence, elevates the other person, showcasing the depth of their adoration and commitment.
Verse 2 Insights
“I’ll cut the soft pockets, let bleed
Over the rocky cliffs that you leave
To peer over and not forget what feet are
Splitting threads of thunder over me”
The second verse mirrors the first, reiterating the themes of emotional exposure and the challenges posed by the relationship. The repeated imagery reinforces the persistence of these emotions and the ongoing struggle.
Listening Closely
“Listen closely, closely to the floor
Emitting all its graces through the pores
You make a fine shrine in me
You build a fine shrine in me”
The Floor’s Graces
The line “Listen closely, closely to the floor” suggests paying attention to the foundation or the basics. Floors support us, symbolizing stability. “Emitting all its graces through the pores” implies that even the most fundamental aspects of life have their beauty and significance. This line encourages finding grace in simplicity.
A Fine Shrine
The concluding lines, “You make a fine shrine in me, You build a fine shrine in me,” are particularly poignant. A shrine is a place of reverence and worship. By saying the other person makes a shrine in them, the speaker acknowledges the deep respect and reverence they hold for the relationship. It’s a testament to the sacredness of their connection.
The Pre-Chorus Revisited
The pre-chorus repeats, emphasizing the desire to see and feel deeply, to immerse fully in the emotional landscape shaped by the relationship.
The Culminating Chorus
The chorus repeats once more, driving home the themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and reverence.
Conclusion
“Fineshrine” by Purity Ring is a lyrical masterpiece that beautifully captures the complexities of intimacy and vulnerability. Through its evocative imagery and poignant metaphors, the song invites listeners to explore the depths of emotional connection. For fans and new listeners alike, this analysis offers a deeper appreciation of the song’s themes and the artistry of Purity Ring.
Understanding the meaning behind “Fineshrine” enriches the listening experience, allowing us to connect with the music on a profound level. As you revisit the song, keep these insights in mind, and allow yourself to be swept away by its emotional currents.