Lizzy McAlpine’s “Ceilings” is a soulful rumination on fleeting moments of intimacy and the thin line between fantasy and reality. The song captures the delicate balance between enjoying a present moment and acknowledging its transient nature. It’s about cherishing brief yet meaningful connections and the bittersweet realization that some experiences, no matter how profound, are ephemeral.
Craving a deeper dive into the nostalgic beauty of “ceilings”? Come along, there’s a story behind every lyric.
“Ceilings” Lyrics Meaning
“Ceilings, plaster
Can’t you just make it move faster?”
From the outset, the song introduces us to a wish: a desire for time to move quickly, hinting at some discomfort or anticipation in the present.
“Lovely to be sitting here with you
You’re kinda cute but it’s raining harder”
Amidst the rain and growing discomfort, there’s a silver lining – the company. This showcases the beauty of imperfect moments shared with someone special.
“My shoes are now full of water
Lovely to be rained on with you”
Even though her shoes are wet, which is typically uncomfortable, the experience becomes endearing because of the shared moment.
“It’s kinda cute but it’s so short
Then you’re drivin’ me home”
The transience of the moment becomes evident. Everything seems fleeting, emphasizing the temporary nature of the experience.
“You kiss me in your car
And it feels like the start of a movie I’ve seen before”
The kiss feels familiar, like a scene from a movie. This brings in an element of déjà vu, suggesting this isn’t the first time she’s felt this way.
“Bedsheets, no clothes
Touch me like nobody else does”
Intimate moments are shared, deepening the connection between them. But the question remains: is it genuine, or just a fleeting passion?
“Lovely to sit between comfort and chaos”
It captures the duality of the situation – comfort in intimacy and chaos in the emotions and reality of the situation.
“But it’s over
Then you’re drivin’ me home”
The abrupt end to their moment again emphasizes its temporary nature.
“You kiss me in your car
And it feels like the start of a movie I’ve seen before
But it’s not real
And you don’t exist”
The climax: the realization that it might’ve all been a fantasy. Perhaps an overthinking of a simple moment, or a daydream she lost herself in.
“It hits me in the car
And it feels like the end of a movie I’ve seen before”
This full-circle return to the movie metaphor underscores the ephemeral nature of experiences and feelings.
The Story Behind “ceilings”
Writing a song often serves as a cathartic experience for artists. For Lizzy McAlpine, “ceilings” might reflect navigating fleeting romantic encounters, moments that feel too good to be true, and the eventual realization of their transient nature.
The song exudes a nostalgic ambiance, suggesting that Lizzy might’ve been reminiscing about past relationships or encounters that left a mark. It speaks of the human tendency to romanticize specific memories, only to later realize that they might have been mere fantasies or daydreams.
Given the intimate nature of songwriting, it’s evident that Lizzy was contemplative when penning down these lyrics. She masterfully captures the complexities of emotions, from the highs of intimate moments to the lows of confronting reality. It’s a reflection of the beauty and pain of fleeting moments and the human desire to hold onto them, even if only in our memories or daydreams.