The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Shelter" by the artist "xx, The"

In the song "Shelter," the artist xx explores the feeling of safety and vulnerability in a budding relationship. The lyrical protagonist has found "shelter" in the love and care of another person, but she is haunted by the fear that this feeling is fragile and could disappear.

The opening lines convey the relief and sense of security found in the relationship: "I found shelter, here under protection, safely hidden." However, uncertainty follows: "Do you hear what I'm saying?". The protagonist is afraid of being misunderstood or rejected.

The repeating refrain "Maybe something I said was wrong, can I fix it while the light's on?" reveals her fear of making a mistake and ruining the idyll. "Light" is a metaphor for the partner's attention and love. While it is "on," the protagonist wants to have time to correct all her mistakes in order to save the relationship.

The lines "Was I really here? I feel like I disappeared into thin air" suggest that she is afraid of losing herself in this relationship, of dissolving into her partner. The fear intensifies when he leaves: "I still wanna drown whenever you leave." The protagonist feels dependent on her lover and finds it difficult to cope with his absence.

The final lines are full of hope. The protagonist believes that over time the fear will disappear, and she will be able to breathe freely in the relationship: "And then I'll cross the oceans like I never have before." She dreams of a deep connection where both partners will feel and understand each other: "You'll reflect in me like a mirror, and you'll be able to see what I feel."