beabadoobee – “Ripples” Lyrics Meaning

“Ripples” is a profound dive into the struggles of self-expression and the feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The song captures the essence of fighting internal battles and the sense of drowning in one’s emotions. It’s about the artist’s journey through self-doubt and the pressure to conform to expectations. The lyrics reflect a personal narrative, possibly about the songwriter’s own experiences. It seems Beabadoobee wrote this song to articulate her feelings of being misunderstood and the struggle to maintain her true self amidst life’s tumultuous waves.

Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an artist when they pen down their feelings? Let’s decode this journey together.


“Ripples” Lyrics Meaning

Starting off, “Please don’t make me hide / I’ve been puttin’ up a fight” sets the tone. Beabadoobee is tired of concealing her true feelings, tired of the constant struggle. It’s like she’s been fighting a losing battle, asking, “What’s the use of it now / When I get pulled down anyways?” This sense of defeat, of being pulled down despite her efforts, is palpable.

The lines “I’ve been hidin’ my expression / You can’t blame the reflections / And the ripples on the ground / I might as well have drowned” are particularly evocative. Here, she’s saying that her true feelings and expressions are like ripples on water – subtle, yet revealing. She feels that even these small expressions might be too much, likening her emotional state to drowning.

The chorus, “So I’m keepin’ busy / Work twice as hard as you / Want you to believe me / That I can pick and choose,” speaks to overcompensation. It’s like she’s trying to prove her worth, to show that she’s in control, but there’s an underlying desperation. The metaphor of driving someone else’s car, only to be told they’ll be gone soon, could symbolize fleeting relationships or opportunities, adding to her sense of instability and loss.

The latter part of the song, “Feels too late right now / I’ve been holding back / ‘Cause I’m afraid that I’m too loud / Six feet underground” is incredibly raw. It speaks to the fear of being judged or rejected for being oneself. The feeling of being “six feet underground” is a stark metaphor for emotional burial – like she’s already defeated, unseen, unheard.

Lastly, “I feel alone again / Stuck between my friends / I guess I’ll figure my way through them / Not sure how I’d do it / But I’m sure now / The people would listen / As the water glistens / Then I see my reflection / So much clearer” shows a glimmer of hope. She’s uncertain but realizes that perhaps there’s a way through this, a way to be heard and seen clearly. This realization is her moment of clarity amidst the chaos.

The Story Behind “Ripples”

The lyrics reflect a journey of self-discovery amidst public scrutiny. As a young artist, Beabadoobee is navigating a path filled with expectations, criticisms, and the constant gaze of the public. This can be overwhelming, leading to moments of self-doubt and the feeling of drowning under the weight of it all.

The song, therefore, is more than just words set to melody; it’s a confession, a revelation. It’s about finding one’s voice in the noise, about learning to stand firm even when the ground beneath feels like shifting sands. “Ripples” isn’t just Beabadoobee’s story; it’s a universal tale of fighting to be heard, of struggling to remain visible in a world that often demands conformity.

This background adds a layer of depth to the lyrics, making “Ripples” not just a song but a narrative of resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s struggle against the tides of life.