Bush – “Glycerine” Lyrics Meaning

“Glycerine” by Bush is a soulful grunge track that navigates the rough seas of relationships, painting a picture of love interwoven with pain, loneliness, and regret. The song seems to reflect on a tumultuous relationship where love is real but tinged with moments of sorrow and misunderstanding. The recurring line, “Don’t let the days go by, Glycerine,” suggests a sense of remorse and a longing to hold on to the moments that are slipping away, creating a deep and enduring reflection on love and loss.


Ever wondered about the deep emotions and the intricate stories embedded in “Glycerine” by Bush? We uncover the raw and passionate narrative that lingers within these lyrics!

“Glycerine” Lyrics Meaning

“Glycerine” by Bush envelops the listener in a journey of love and anguish. The opening lines, “It must be your skin, I’m sinkin’ in. It must be for real, ’cause now I can feel,” depict a profound, visceral connection, revealing a raw and genuine emotion and setting the tone for a vivid exploration of relationships.

The song plays with contrasts and paradoxes, with lines like “I’m never alone, I’m alone all the time,” exposing the solitude and isolation that can exist even within a relationship. It explores the dichotomy between connection and solitude, bringing forth the paradoxical nature of human interactions.

As the song unfolds, “We live in a wheel, where everyone steals, but when we rise, it’s like strawberry fields,” it hints at the cyclic nature of life and relationships, the constant stealing of moments, and the transient beauty experienced in togetherness. It alludes to the contrasting states of being within love, oscillating between the mundane and the extraordinary.

The lyric, “If I treated you bad, you’d bruise my face. Couldn’t love you more, you’ve got a beautiful taste,” combines elements of passion and strife, creating a tension-filled depiction of love that is both intense and destructive. It paints love as an overwhelming and all-consuming force, capable of both immense beauty and profound pain.

The recurring lament, “Don’t let the days go by, Glycerine,” weaves a thread of longing and remorse throughout the song. It seems to capture a desire to freeze time, to hold onto the fleeting and transient moments. It’s a poignant reminder of the inevitable passage of time and the impermanence of all things, leaving the listener with a resonating sense of melancholy and reflection.

The Story Behind “Glycerine”

To understand “Glycerine” in its entirety, one must delve into the mind and circumstances of Gavin Rossdale, Bush’s lead vocalist and the craftsman behind these lyrics. The song is perceived as a reflection of Rossdale’s internal battles and his experiences with relationships and love.

It was penned during a time when grunge music was shaping the musical landscape, and Bush was carving its niche. The genre, characterized by its raw and emotive style, resonates through “Glycerine,” echoing the pain, vulnerability, and angst that are trademark of grunge. The song encapsulates the turbulent emotions, the intense love, and the profound sorrow that are intertwined within human connections.

“Glycerine” stands out as a testament to the multifaceted nature of relationships, serving as a mirror reflecting the universal struggles with love, loss, and longing. Rossdale’s poignant expressions and the heartfelt melody come together to create a timeless piece that speaks to the soul, allowing listeners to find their own stories and emotions within the profound lyrical tapestry.

The intricate weaving of words, emotions, and melodies in “Glycerine” continue to strike a chord with listeners, making it an enduring reflection on the human experience, love, and the myriad emotions that come with it.