Meaning and Lyrics of How I Learned To Love The Bomb by Glass Animals
Song Lyrics meaning of How I Learned To Love The Bomb by Glass Animals
About Glass Animals
Glass Animals is an English indie rock band formed in 2010 in Oxford, England. The lineup consists of lead vocalist Dave Bayley, drummer Joe Seaward, bassist Edwin Congreave, and keyboardist Drew MacFarlane. Their sound is characterized by a unique blend of indie pop, R&B, and electronic elements, which creates an immersive auditory experience that often feels like a surreal dreamscape.
The band gained widespread attention with their debut album, Zaba (2014), which showcased their penchant for intricate production and thoughtful lyricism. Hits like “Gooey” and “Hazey” featured lush instrumentals and infectious hooks, immediately capturing the hearts of listeners and establishing them as one of the standout acts of the new wave of indie music.
Their second album, How to Be a Human Being (2016), took their artistry to a new level. The album is a concept piece highlighting various characters and stories, drawing inspiration from the people they encountered during their tour. Tracks like “Youth” and “Pork Soda” further solidified their eclectic style and resonated with a broad audience.
Fast forward to the release of Dreamland (2020), which marked both a sonic evolution and an introspective journey. The album delves into themes of nostalgia, loss, and self-discovery, with standout tracks such as “Heat Waves” capturing a melancholic yet euphoric vibe that connects with listeners on multiple levels. The band’s experimentation with sound and storytelling culminated in their latest work—redefining what it means to be a contemporary band in an ever-evolving music scene.
One notable track, “How I Learned To Love The Bomb,” is a testament to their innovative approach to songwriting. The song weaves together thoughts on conflict and self-revelation into a beautifully chaotic soundscape that exemplifies their artistic growth and knack for introspection.
With their genre-blending style and compelling narratives, Glass Animals have carved out a niche that resonates with fans worldwide. They continue to push boundaries, both musically and thematically, securing their place in the pantheon of modern indie music. As they embark on future projects, one can only anticipate where their bold experimentation will take them next.
Meaning of How I Learned To Love The Bomb by Glass Animals
The song “How I Learned To Love The Bomb” by Glass Animals serves as a potent exploration of relational turbulence through a lens that fuses vivid imagery, surreal metaphors, and psychological tension. The British band, known for their eclectic sound combining elements of psychedelic pop and electronica, really hits a nerve with this track, positioning it within the context of contemporary struggles over identity and emotional honesty.
Verse 1 sets the stage with a strong sense of duality, as the singer reflects on a previously believed notion of exclusivity in a relationship. The line, “Only the two of us,” contrasts sharply with the jarring revelation of another presence, indicated by the metaphor of “a thunderstruck tree trunk.” This imagery is visceral and powerful, evoking a sense of brokenness and vulnerability that extends beyond mere heartbreak. The visceral details—”split lip you lick too much,” and “the splits in your knuckles”—create a feeling of raw, physical pain, hinting at the scars of emotional trauma.
The Pre-Chorus deepens the psychological complexity; the “blame game” that partners often play reveals a tumultuous dance of accusation and defensiveness. The phrase “Black swan, I’ll never see you the same way” cleverly references both the unexpected and the darker sides of one’s partner, suggesting a loss of innocence as romanticized perceptions shatter under the weight of reality. The questioning—“Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?”—reflects an existential angst that feels particularly relevant in an age rife with social media facades and curated identities. Here, the fear of not knowing the true self of a significant other looms large, essentially painting love as both a profound enigma and a potential minefield.
The Chorus unveils the crux of the song’s emotional core: the partner is depicted as “two-sided” and “indecisive,” embodying a duality that creates an environment of uncertainty. This concept of duality is potent in modern relationships, where individuals may hide their true selves behind a facade, and the metaphor of “I think I just found the bomb” encapsulates the idea that deep-seated issues lie beneath the surface, waiting to erupt. The repeated questions make it clear that this volatility weighs heavy on the narrator’s psyche, creating an intimate yet anxious atmosphere—who will be the person they come home to, and when will the emotional “explosion” occur?
The Post-Chorus resonates like a mantra, emphasizing the cyclical nature of emotional support and withdrawal in tumultuous partnerships. The repetition of “You switch it off, you switch it on” suggests a frustrating instability, echoing the push-and-pull of human connection. Here, the metaphor of holding on “for the bomb” takes on an almost comical absurdity, reminiscent of a bad relationship comedy-thriller where the stakes are both personal and explosive.
Moving into Verse 2, the rich symbolism continues with references that depict an almost surreal confrontation with the partner’s darker attributes, the line “Woah, that’s a Tommy gun” hints at dangerous potential in situations that should otherwise be tender or innocuous, like the mention of butter cups. This juxtaposition of sweetness against violent imagery reinforces a deep-seated fear—the sense that violence can arise even in moments of unexpected calm.
The Bridge presents a shift in perspective, reflecting a grasp of acceptance. The narrator begins to grapple with the uncertainty of love, contemplating if “maybe this is how it is,” and pondering the thrill that comes with navigating a volatile relationship. The phrase “maybe I’ll find a safe distance” feels particularly poignant, suggesting that a certain detachment might be necessary to cope with the inherent chaos, encapsulating a very Gen Z millennial sentiment about navigating modern love—mostly chaotic, sometimes rewarding, but frequently fraught with danger.
In summation, “How I Learned To Love The Bomb” serves as both a poetic examination of the multi-layered complexities in relationships and a commentary on our contemporary emotional landscapes. Glass Animals have crafted a track that is catchy yet emotionally resonant, laced with haunting metaphors and an unsettling yet beautiful cadence. The contradicted notions of vulnerability and paradox in love create a textured, immersive experience that’s sure to resonate with anyone who has found beauty amid chaos and uncertainty. It’s this balance of profundity and playfulness that elevates the track beyond typical pop fare, showcasing Glass Animals’ ability to blend eclectic sounds with thought-provoking lyrics—a formula that continues to carve them a distinct niche in today’s music scene.
Verse 1 sets the stage with a strong sense of duality, as the singer reflects on a previously believed notion of exclusivity in a relationship. The line, “Only the two of us,” contrasts sharply with the jarring revelation of another presence, indicated by the metaphor of “a thunderstruck tree trunk.” This imagery is visceral and powerful, evoking a sense of brokenness and vulnerability that extends beyond mere heartbreak. The visceral details—”split lip you lick too much,” and “the splits in your knuckles”—create a feeling of raw, physical pain, hinting at the scars of emotional trauma.
The Pre-Chorus deepens the psychological complexity; the “blame game” that partners often play reveals a tumultuous dance of accusation and defensiveness. The phrase “Black swan, I’ll never see you the same way” cleverly references both the unexpected and the darker sides of one’s partner, suggesting a loss of innocence as romanticized perceptions shatter under the weight of reality. The questioning—“Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?”—reflects an existential angst that feels particularly relevant in an age rife with social media facades and curated identities. Here, the fear of not knowing the true self of a significant other looms large, essentially painting love as both a profound enigma and a potential minefield.
The Chorus unveils the crux of the song’s emotional core: the partner is depicted as “two-sided” and “indecisive,” embodying a duality that creates an environment of uncertainty. This concept of duality is potent in modern relationships, where individuals may hide their true selves behind a facade, and the metaphor of “I think I just found the bomb” encapsulates the idea that deep-seated issues lie beneath the surface, waiting to erupt. The repeated questions make it clear that this volatility weighs heavy on the narrator’s psyche, creating an intimate yet anxious atmosphere—who will be the person they come home to, and when will the emotional “explosion” occur?
The Post-Chorus resonates like a mantra, emphasizing the cyclical nature of emotional support and withdrawal in tumultuous partnerships. The repetition of “You switch it off, you switch it on” suggests a frustrating instability, echoing the push-and-pull of human connection. Here, the metaphor of holding on “for the bomb” takes on an almost comical absurdity, reminiscent of a bad relationship comedy-thriller where the stakes are both personal and explosive.
Moving into Verse 2, the rich symbolism continues with references that depict an almost surreal confrontation with the partner’s darker attributes, the line “Woah, that’s a Tommy gun” hints at dangerous potential in situations that should otherwise be tender or innocuous, like the mention of butter cups. This juxtaposition of sweetness against violent imagery reinforces a deep-seated fear—the sense that violence can arise even in moments of unexpected calm.
The Bridge presents a shift in perspective, reflecting a grasp of acceptance. The narrator begins to grapple with the uncertainty of love, contemplating if “maybe this is how it is,” and pondering the thrill that comes with navigating a volatile relationship. The phrase “maybe I’ll find a safe distance” feels particularly poignant, suggesting that a certain detachment might be necessary to cope with the inherent chaos, encapsulating a very Gen Z millennial sentiment about navigating modern love—mostly chaotic, sometimes rewarding, but frequently fraught with danger.
In summation, “How I Learned To Love The Bomb” serves as both a poetic examination of the multi-layered complexities in relationships and a commentary on our contemporary emotional landscapes. Glass Animals have crafted a track that is catchy yet emotionally resonant, laced with haunting metaphors and an unsettling yet beautiful cadence. The contradicted notions of vulnerability and paradox in love create a textured, immersive experience that’s sure to resonate with anyone who has found beauty amid chaos and uncertainty. It’s this balance of profundity and playfulness that elevates the track beyond typical pop fare, showcasing Glass Animals’ ability to blend eclectic sounds with thought-provoking lyrics—a formula that continues to carve them a distinct niche in today’s music scene.
Lyrics of How I Learned To Love The Bomb by Glass Animals
Verse 1
I always thought it was (I always thought it was)
Only the two of us (Only the two of us)
But I saw another one (I saw another one)
Split like a thunderstruck tree trunk or maybe the splits in your knuckles
The split lip you lick too much
Pre-Chorus
Runnin' around, and we're playin' the blame game
Black swan, I'll never see you the same way
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
What should I do? Just pretend it's the same? (Same)
Once you get bit, a little bit of the pain stays
Ache in the tooth on a sweet afternoon
A fly in the room, you can't get with your shoe
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indеcisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hidе it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Post-Chorus
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
Verse 2
You say there's nothing wrong (You say there's nothing wrong)
I peel myself off the wall (I peel myself off the wall)
Thought you brought butter cups
Woah, that's a Tommy gun
Meat hooks and diamond dust
Ghost rider, here he comes
Pre-Chorus
Runnin' around, and we're playin' the blame game
Black swan, I'll never see you the same way
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
What should I do? Just pretend it's the same? (Same)
Once you get bit, a little bit of the pain stays
Ache in the tooth on a sweet afternoon
A fly in the room, you can't get with your shoe
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indecisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hide it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Bridge
Maybe it's just a strange time
That I found you in your life
Maybe I can learn to like
All that I find terrifying
Maybe this is how it is
Maybe this is most exciting
Maybe I'll find a safe distance
'Cause I know there's a bomb in this
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indecisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hide it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Post-Chorus
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
I always thought it was (I always thought it was)
Only the two of us (Only the two of us)
But I saw another one (I saw another one)
Split like a thunderstruck tree trunk or maybe the splits in your knuckles
The split lip you lick too much
Pre-Chorus
Runnin' around, and we're playin' the blame game
Black swan, I'll never see you the same way
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
What should I do? Just pretend it's the same? (Same)
Once you get bit, a little bit of the pain stays
Ache in the tooth on a sweet afternoon
A fly in the room, you can't get with your shoe
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indеcisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hidе it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Post-Chorus
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
Verse 2
You say there's nothing wrong (You say there's nothing wrong)
I peel myself off the wall (I peel myself off the wall)
Thought you brought butter cups
Woah, that's a Tommy gun
Meat hooks and diamond dust
Ghost rider, here he comes
Pre-Chorus
Runnin' around, and we're playin' the blame game
Black swan, I'll never see you the same way
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
Which one is you? Oh, is anything true?
What should I do? Just pretend it's the same? (Same)
Once you get bit, a little bit of the pain stays
Ache in the tooth on a sweet afternoon
A fly in the room, you can't get with your shoe
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indecisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hide it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Bridge
Maybe it's just a strange time
That I found you in your life
Maybe I can learn to like
All that I find terrifying
Maybe this is how it is
Maybe this is most exciting
Maybe I'll find a safe distance
'Cause I know there's a bomb in this
Chorus
And you're just two-sided
So goddamn indecisive
Oh, and it's deep in inside you
I think I just found the bomb
Baby, how do you hide it so?
How do you live like this, oh?
When you get home, who'll I get?
I don't know when you'll explode
Post-Chorus
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
You switch it off, you switch it on
I'm sat there, holding on for the bomb
Discography Glass Animals
I Love You So F***ing Much
Release: 2024-07-19
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
1. Show Pony
2. whatthehellishappening?
3. Creatures in Heaven
4. Wonderful Nothing
5. A Tear in Space (Airlock)
6. I Can’t Make You Fall in Love Again
7. How I Learned To Love The Bomb
8. White Roses
9. On the Run
10. Lost in the Ocean</a
Tracklist
Collapse
2. whatthehellishappening?
3. Creatures in Heaven
4. Wonderful Nothing
5. A Tear in Space (Airlock)
6. I Can’t Make You Fall in Love Again
7. How I Learned To Love The Bomb
8. White Roses
9. On the Run
10. Lost in the Ocean</a
Dreamland - Real Life Edition
Release: 2022-08-05
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Dreamland
2. Tangerine
3. ((home movie: 1994))
4. Hot Sugar
5. ((home movie: btx))
6. Space Ghost Coast To Coast
7. Tokyo Drifting
8. Melon and the Coconut
9. Your Love (Déjà Vu)
10. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth
11. It’s All So Incredibly Loud
12. ((home movie: rockets))
13. Domestic Bliss
14. Heat Waves
15. ((home movie: shoes on))
16. Helium
17. I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)
18. Helium – Hudson Mohawke Remix
19. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Raz & Afla Remix
20. It’s All So Incredibly Loud – Kelly Lee Owens Remix
21. Tokyo Drifting – Young Franco Remix
22. Melon and the Coconut – Mona Yim Remix
23. Hot Sugar – Washed Out Remix
24. It’s All So Incredibly Loud – DJ Seinfeld Remix
25. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Hit-Boy Remix
26. Dreamland – Mindchatter Remix
27. Heat Waves – Logic1000 Remix
28. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth – Clap! Clap! Remix
29. Tangerine (with Arlo Parks)
30. Space Ghost Coast To Coast (with Bree Runway)
31. Heat Waves (with iann dior)
32. Heat Waves – Diplo Remix
33. Heat Waves – Shakur Ahmad Remix
34. Heat Waves – Oliver Heldens Remix
35. Heat Waves – Riton Remix
36. Heat Waves – Sonny Fodera Remix
37. Tokyo Drifting – Oliver Malcolm Remix
38. Heat Waves – Stripped Back
39. Your Love (Deja Vu) – Stripped Back
40. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Stripped Back
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Tangerine
3. ((home movie: 1994))
4. Hot Sugar
5. ((home movie: btx))
6. Space Ghost Coast To Coast
7. Tokyo Drifting
8. Melon and the Coconut
9. Your Love (Déjà Vu)
10. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth
11. It’s All So Incredibly Loud
12. ((home movie: rockets))
13. Domestic Bliss
14. Heat Waves
15. ((home movie: shoes on))
16. Helium
17. I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)
18. Helium – Hudson Mohawke Remix
19. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Raz & Afla Remix
20. It’s All So Incredibly Loud – Kelly Lee Owens Remix
21. Tokyo Drifting – Young Franco Remix
22. Melon and the Coconut – Mona Yim Remix
23. Hot Sugar – Washed Out Remix
24. It’s All So Incredibly Loud – DJ Seinfeld Remix
25. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Hit-Boy Remix
26. Dreamland – Mindchatter Remix
27. Heat Waves – Logic1000 Remix
28. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth – Clap! Clap! Remix
29. Tangerine (with Arlo Parks)
30. Space Ghost Coast To Coast (with Bree Runway)
31. Heat Waves (with iann dior)
32. Heat Waves – Diplo Remix
33. Heat Waves – Shakur Ahmad Remix
34. Heat Waves – Oliver Heldens Remix
35. Heat Waves – Riton Remix
36. Heat Waves – Sonny Fodera Remix
37. Tokyo Drifting – Oliver Malcolm Remix
38. Heat Waves – Stripped Back
39. Your Love (Deja Vu) – Stripped Back
40. Space Ghost Coast To Coast – Stripped Back
Dreamland (+ Bonus Levels 2.0)
Release: 2021-09-10
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Dreamland
2. Tangerine
3. ((home movie: 1994))
4. Hot Sugar
5. ((home movie: btx))
6. Space Ghost (Coast To Coast)
7. Tokyo Drifting
8. Melon and the Coconut
9. Your Love (Déjà Vu)
10. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth
11. It’s All So Incredibly Loud
12. ((home movie: rockets))
13. Domestic Bliss
14. Heat Waves
15. ((home movie: shoes on))
16. Helium
17. I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Tangerine
3. ((home movie: 1994))
4. Hot Sugar
5. ((home movie: btx))
6. Space Ghost (Coast To Coast)
7. Tokyo Drifting
8. Melon and the Coconut
9. Your Love (Déjà Vu)
10. Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth
11. It’s All So Incredibly Loud
12. ((home movie: rockets))
13. Domestic Bliss
14. Heat Waves
15. ((home movie: shoes on))
16. Helium
17. I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)
Upcoming Events for Glass Animals
Human Musical Group Sensations GLASS ANIMALS: TOUR OF EARTH
Price Range: $40 – 140
Date: 2024-09-14
Location: Kia Forum
Human Musical Group Sensations GLASS ANIMALS: TOUR OF EARTH
Price Range: $50 – 140
Date: 2024-09-07
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre
Human Musical Group Sensations GLASS ANIMALS: TOUR OF EARTH
Price Range: $30 – 120
Date: 2024-09-11
Location: Shoreline Amphitheatre
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