Terrible Love

Birdy's song 'Terrible Love' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of a relationship that is both captivating and destructive. The repeated phrase 'It's a terrible love and I'm walking with spiders' evokes a sense of entanglement and discomfort, suggesting that the love in question is fraught with anxiety and unease. The metaphor of 'walking with spiders' paints a vivid picture of the creeping, unsettling nature of this relationship, where every step feels precarious and fraught with danger.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of isolation and the struggle to find peace. The line 'I can't fall asleep without a little help' indicates a reliance on external factors to achieve a sense of calm, while 'It takes an ocean not to break' underscores the immense effort required to maintain composure and not succumb to emotional breakdown. This imagery of vast, overwhelming forces highlights the internal battle the narrator faces in trying to keep themselves together amidst the chaos of their feelings.

Furthermore, the song explores the idea of quiet company, which can be interpreted as the solace found in solitude or the presence of someone who provides a sense of calm without adding to the turmoil. The refusal to follow 'into the rabbit hole' signifies a boundary being set, a decision to not be dragged further into the depths of this destructive love. Birdy's haunting vocals and the melancholic melody enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Terrible Love' a poignant reflection on the darker side of love and the strength required to navigate it.