Grimes’ “Genesis” is a captivating and ethereal track from her critically acclaimed 2012 album “Visions.” This song showcases Grimes’ unique blend of dream pop, synth-pop, and electronic music, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that complements its introspective lyrics.
“Genesis” is characterized by its hypnotic, repetitive structure and abstract lyrics that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and emotional cycles. The song’s title alludes to new beginnings and transformation, which are reflected in its lyrical content.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Genesis” Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus]
My heart, I never be, I never see, I never know
Oh, heart, and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know
My heart, I never be, I never see, I never know
Oh, heart, and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know
My heart, I never be, I never see, I never know
Oh, heart, and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know
My heart, I never be, I never see, I never know
Oh, heart, and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know
The line “My heart, I never be, I never see, I never know” suggests a sense of disconnection or unfulfilled potential. The repetition of “I never” implies a longing or a sense of incompleteness in the speaker’s experiences or emotions.
In the following line “Oh, heart, and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know,” the speaker seems to describe a cyclical process of emotional highs and lows. The “fall” could symbolize moments of vulnerability or failure, leading to a deeper understanding or realization.
The repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of the emotions being described, reinforcing the themes of longing and self-discovery.
[Post-Chorus]
My
My
My
Ever see, ever be, ever know my heart (My)
Ever see, ever be, ever know my heart
The repetition of “My” could signify possession or a deep personal connection to the emotions or experiences being described.
The following line “Ever see, ever be, ever know my heart (My)” suggests a desire for someone to truly understand or connect with the speaker’s heart and emotions. It reiterates the themes of visibility, existence, and knowledge of one’s inner self.
[Refrain]
Home, and they know
I’m the vagabond
It’s always different
I’m the one in love
Home, and they know
I’m the vagabond
It’s always different
I’m the one in love
Home, and they know
I’m the vagabond
It’s always different (I’m the one in love)
I’m the one in love
Home, and they know
I’m the vagabond
It’s always different (I’m the one in love)
I’m the one in love
The refrain section begins with the line “Home, and they know,” which could imply a sense of belonging or recognition from others. “Home” may symbolize a place of comfort or identity.
The term “vagabond” suggests a sense of wandering or not having a permanent place, which contrasts with the idea of “home.” This could reflect the speaker’s internal conflict or duality.
The following line “It’s always different” reflects that the speaker’s experiences or emotions are constantly changing, adding to the sense of unpredictability and fluidity.
Despite the uncertainty and change, the speaker identifies as being in love, which could be a stabilizing or defining aspect of their identity.
The repetition in the refrain reinforces the themes of change, identity, and love, highlighting the speaker’s ongoing journey and emotional state.
Music Video
Grimes mentioned that the music video for “Genesis” is loosely based on the painting “The Seven Deadly Sins and the Four Last Things” by Hieronymus Bosch. She wanted to incorporate Medieval and Catholic imagery, reflecting her upbringing in a Catholic household and her childhood perception of medieval Catholicism as an action movie.
The video features Brooke Candy, whom Grimes describes as a very contemporary muse. Brooke Candy’s presence adds a magnetic and aggressive energy to the video, aligning with the song’s themes of power and attraction.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Genesis”
The song “Genesis” explores themes of vulnerability, love, and the cyclical nature of hope and disappointment. The lyrics describe the heart’s experiences of never truly knowing, seeing, or being, yet continuously falling and rising in love. Grimes created the song as a live performance piece to cheer up the crowd and make people dance at her shows.
Grimes has hinted that her music often reflects her personal struggles and emotional states. The repetitive nature of the lyrics in “Genesis” emphasizes the ongoing, sometimes tumultuous journey of understanding oneself and one’s emotions.
Literally, “Genesis” means “the beginning” or “origin.” In the context of the song, this title suggests a focus on new experiences, self-discovery, and emotional awakening
The song describes emotions as if they’re being felt for the first time, which aligns with the concept of “genesis” as the start of something new.
Given Grimes’ Catholic upbringing, the title may also reference the biblical Book of Genesis, which deals with creation and the origins of humanity.
The repetitive structure of the lyrics, with phrases like “and then it falls, and then I fall, and then I know,” suggests a continuous cycle of experience and realization, which could be seen as a series of new beginnings or “geneses”.
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He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.