Ribs Lyrics – Poppy

Meaning of ‘Ribs’ Lyrics Explained

Verse 1 Meaning:
The first verse shows someone struggling with the weight of a relationship that feels heavy and draining. They want to keep the love close, almost like protecting it inside themselves, but it’s taking a toll on their strength and spirit. There’s a sense of disappointment because the other person wasn’t there when they needed support, and they were searching for something real and honest that didn’t come.

Chorus Meaning:
In the chorus, there’s a feeling of losing the person bit by bit. Even when they try to hold onto them in memory, the connection slips away into something bright but unfamiliar. The singer feels broken and fragmented, but they keep moving forward on their own. It’s about surviving and giving yourself space and time to understand what’s happening, even if it’s painful.

Verse 2 Meaning:
Here, the song captures the heaviness of sorrow and heartbreak. The singer vents their feelings, but the sadness leaves a mark that feels physical, almost like it’s written across their body. They feel trapped in a chaotic world where nothing seems normal anymore. The sense of despair is clear—they wonder if this pain will ever end and feel lost in a scene that’s confusing and overwhelming.

Chorus Meaning:
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the struggle of letting go while still feeling the presence of someone who is fading away. The singer acknowledges their own fragility but continues breathing and trying to survive independently. Time becomes the healer, even if the process is slow and lonely.

Bridge Meaning:
The bridge reflects on how the other person has drifted further away over time and even changed the memories they shared together. There’s deep loneliness and shame, and the singer feels powerless about how things turned out. It’s a raw moment of realization that the relationship isn’t what it once was, and the disappointment is entirely theirs to bear.

Chorus Meaning:
The final chorus brings back the sense of loss and self-reliance. Even as the person fades into something unrecognizable, the singer continues to breathe and navigate life on their own. The repetition highlights the ongoing struggle of holding onto what’s gone while giving themselves the time and space to process it.