Out Getting Ribs

Local Natives' song 'Out Getting Ribs' delves deep into the emotional struggles and inner turmoil of a person dealing with a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics are laden with raw emotion, capturing the essence of heartbreak, regret, and the longing for solace. The opening lines, 'Hate runs through my blood / What matter are words in love,' set a somber tone, indicating a sense of betrayal and the futility of words in mending a broken heart. The repeated imagery of being 'beaten down and blue' underscores the physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by the narrator.

The song's chorus, 'Don't break away / Or waste away,' serves as a plea for stability and continuity in the relationship, despite the evident pain and suffering. The narrator's vulnerability is further highlighted in lines like 'Lay me out across the grey / Hours I should have kept at bay,' suggesting a sense of resignation and the weight of past mistakes. The mention of 'red stairs' and 'sense astray' introduces a metaphorical journey, possibly alluding to the descent into emotional chaos and the struggle to find clarity and faith.

As the song progresses, the narrator's desperation becomes more palpable. The lines 'But wait, I've made my last request / See this could be the best / But girl I need to rest' reflect a final plea for understanding and a moment of respite. The closing reassurance, 'Girl, don't you worry bout a thing,' hints at a desire to protect the other person from further pain, even as the narrator grapples with their own suffering. Overall, 'Out Getting Ribs' is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, loss, and the quest for emotional healing.