Glass Animals – “Pools” Lyrics Meaning

That is a song about the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a person caught in a whirlwind of feelings, struggling with the push and pull of desires and obligations. It’s about giving in to impulses while being weighed down by guilt – a common human experience. The song doesn’t center on a specific person but rather on the emotional journey we all go through. Its creation seems to stem from the songwriter’s own introspections and experiences, making it deeply personal yet universally relatable.

A deeper ocean of meaning in “Pools” is waiting to be explored. The song’s vivid imagery and layered metaphors offer a rich tapestry of thoughts and emotions. Keep reading, and let’s unravel the mysteries together.


“Pools” Lyrics Meaning

“Pools” starts with a dreamlike scene: “We float before the sea at dusk / In heavy mist, in glitter dust”. These lines set the tone for the song, illustrating a surreal, almost ethereal world. It’s a world where emotions are as tangible as the mist and dust surrounding the characters. The repetitive mention of smiling – “I smile because I want to / I smile because you want to” – hints at the complexity of human emotions. It suggests a struggle between genuine joy and the pressure to appear happy.

The lyrics “We sip the wind through lips of lust / And out it comes, warm wisps of love” beautifully blend desire and affection, suggesting that love and lust are not always distinct but can coexist and transform into one another. This idea is further explored with “Put the flowers in your hair / Wrap your tendrils round my chest”. It’s a vivid image of intimacy, symbolizing a deep connection that goes beyond the physical.

As the song progresses, there’s a noticeable shift in tone. “Shake my little soul for you now, toy” suggests a sense of vulnerability and the feeling of being emotionally exposed or played with. The idea of settling “into a world of noise” and being “a man of many tricks and tools and joy” indicates a chaotic inner world, filled with both creativity and turmoil.

The imagery of nature – the sea, hills, trees, and leaves – throughout the song serves as metaphors for the internal landscape of the protagonist. It’s a way to externalize the inner emotional journey. The recurring theme of smiling, now with the line “I smile because I won’t do,” reveals a resistance to succumbing to one’s desires or perhaps a realization of the need to change.

The Story Behind “Pools”

The songwriter appears to have been reflective, examining the depths of human emotion and the complexity of relationships. This state of mind is evident in the way the song weaves through themes of desire, love, guilt, and the struggle between what one wants and feels they should do. The imagery used in the lyrics suggests a rich inner life, full of imagination and sensitivity. The songwriter’s use of metaphors and symbols to express feelings indicates a deep understanding of the human psyche and the ways we often use external imagery to describe our internal experiences.

The song’s introspective nature suggests that the songwriter was grappling with these themes in their own life, using the music to process and understand their feelings. This personal connection to the song’s themes is likely what gives “Pools” its emotional depth and resonance with listeners. It’s a song that not only entertains but also invites us to reflect on our own emotional journeys.