Basic Space

The XX's song 'Basic Space' delves into the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in intimate relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is both consuming and fragile, where the boundaries between two individuals blur. The opening lines, 'Neck, chest, waist to floor / Easy to take, you could take me in fours,' suggest a physical and emotional surrender, highlighting the ease with which one can be consumed by love. The repeated notion of taking things 'piece by piece' underscores the gradual and sometimes painful process of building and maintaining a relationship.

The metaphor of 'shipwrecks' and being 'underwater' conveys a sense of struggle and suffocation, reflecting the challenges and emotional turmoil that can accompany love. The line 'I think I'm losing where you end and I begin' speaks to the loss of individual identity that can occur when deeply entwined with another person. This theme is further explored in the chorus with 'Basic space / Open air / Don't look away / When there's nothin' there,' suggesting a longing for simplicity and clarity in the relationship, yet acknowledging the emptiness that can sometimes be felt.

The imagery of 'boiling wax' and 'setting us in stone' evokes a desire to preserve the relationship, to make it permanent and unbreakable. However, the struggle to 'keep what I have, preserve' indicates an underlying fear of loss and change. The repeated refrain 'I can't let it out / I still let you in' encapsulates the internal conflict of wanting to protect oneself while still being open to love. The song's haunting melody and minimalist instrumentation complement the lyrical themes, creating an atmosphere of introspection and emotional depth.