Sidelines

Phoebe Bridgers' song 'Sidelines' delves into the profound transformation that love and connection can bring to an individual's life. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has lived a life devoid of fear, seemingly indifferent to the potential dangers and challenges that life presents. The protagonist is unafraid of catastrophic events like dying in a fire or a plane crash, and even mundane fears like going back to school or getting older. This fearless attitude suggests a sense of detachment and emotional numbness, as if nothing in life has been significant enough to elicit a strong emotional response.

The turning point in the song comes with the introduction of a significant other, who brings a newfound sense of purpose and vulnerability. The lines 'Watched the world from the sidelines / Had nothing to prove / Till you came into my life / Gave me something to lose' highlight this shift. The protagonist, who once observed life passively, now feels a deep connection and a reason to engage with the world. This person has given them 'something to lose,' which paradoxically makes them more invested in life. The metaphor of wanting to 'go outside' and the 'shape of my outline' suggests a desire to step out of the shadows and fully participate in life, embracing both its joys and risks.

The song also touches on themes of personal growth and self-acceptance. The protagonist's willingness to 'try again' at school and their shift from self-fetishization to nurturing house plants indicate a journey towards self-improvement and finding comfort in their own company. The closing lines, 'And I used to think / You could hear the ocean in a seashell / What a childish thing,' reflect a loss of naive beliefs but also a deeper understanding of life's complexities. Bridgers' introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create a poignant narrative about the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to step out from the sidelines and truly live.