Pools

Glass Animals' song 'Pools' is a poetic exploration of the fleeting nature of love and the bittersweet emotions that accompany it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic relationship that is both enchanting and ephemeral. The imagery of floating before the sea at dusk, sipping the wind, and wrapping flowers in hair evokes a sense of dreamlike intimacy. These moments of connection are underscored by the repeated line 'I smile because I want to,' suggesting a genuine, albeit transient, happiness shared between the lovers.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts to a more melancholic reflection on the impermanence of these moments. The lines 'You left before I come to' and 'I'm dead before I' highlight the abrupt end of the relationship, leaving the narrator in a state of longing and unresolved emotions. The metaphor of a 'funny foal who bit my wings and ate them whole' symbolizes the loss of freedom and the pain inflicted by the departure of the loved one. This imagery is further reinforced by the description of the natural world, with 'shanks of slate' and 'whorls of tired anemones' representing the weariness and desolation felt by the narrator.

The recurring refrain 'Shake my little soul for you now, toy' and the mention of a 'battery of guilt' suggest a complex interplay of emotions, where joy and guilt coexist. The narrator's willingness to 'settle up into a world of noise' indicates a readiness to face the chaos and confusion of life, despite the lingering pain of lost love. Ultimately, 'Pools' captures the delicate balance between the beauty of fleeting moments and the inevitable sorrow of their passing, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience of love and loss.