Ribs

Lorde's song 'Ribs' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for the innocence and simplicity of childhood, juxtaposed with the anxiety and fear that come with the responsibilities and changes of adulthood. The repeated line 'It drives you crazy getting old' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the internal struggle with aging and the desire to hold onto youth.

The song's narrative is built around a series of memories and sensations, such as the 'drink you spilt all over me' and 'Lover's Spit left on repeat,' which evoke specific moments that are both personal and universal. These images serve as metaphors for the messy, imperfect, and often repetitive nature of life. The chorus, 'We can talk it so good, we can make it so divine,' suggests a longing to idealize the past, to make it better in memory than it perhaps was in reality. This idealization is contrasted with the stark realization that no matter how much one longs for the past, it is impossible to return to it.

The emotional climax of the song comes with the lines 'I want 'em back, the minds we had,' expressing a yearning for the return of a more carefree and less burdened state of mind. The intimacy of 'sharing beds like little kids' and 'laugh until our ribs get tough' reflects a deep connection with a friend, a relationship that provides comfort amidst the fear of aging. However, the repeated assertion 'But that will never be enough' acknowledges that even the deepest friendships cannot fully alleviate the existential dread of growing older and facing the inevitable changes that come with it.