A Mellow Acoustic Introduction
Lucy Dacus’ "Ankles" from her upcoming album Forever Is A Feeling showcases her undeniable talent for blending raw emotion with acoustic-driven melodies. The track starts softly, with Dacus' subdued vocals setting a mellow tone. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar is soon joined by a soft, melancholic violin, and these elements create a beautifully atmospheric introduction that pulls the listener into the emotional core of the song. As the drums subtly kick in, the song slowly builds, giving the track a growing sense of depth without losing its intimate feel.
A Catchy and Emotionally-Charged Chorus
One of the standout features of "Ankles" is its catchy and emotionally-charged chorus. Dacus has an incredible ability to craft a hook that resonates, and here, the chorus is not only memorable but also singable, drawing the listener into the story she’s telling. The chorus, "Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed / And take me like you do in your dreams," reflects a yearning and vulnerability that Dacus delivers with just the right balance of tenderness and intensity. This emotional push and pull is a theme that runs throughout the track, keeping the listener hooked.
Dynamic Range and Subtle Rhythms
The song also demonstrates Dacus' dynamic range as an artist. In the second half of the track, she pulls back her vocals, allowing the instrumentation to take a leading role for a moment. There’s a soft clap beat that carries the rhythm forward, creating a more subdued, reflective mood. This shift in energy feels organic and adds to the overall emotional arc of the song, giving it a contemplative feel. It’s a moment of quiet before the song circles back to its emotional core.
Vivid Lyrics Exploring Love and Vulnerability
Lyrically, "Ankles" taps into the vulnerability and complexity of love and intimacy. Dacus’ ability to weave vivid imagery with raw emotion is on full display here, especially in lines like, "What if we only talk / About what we want and cannot have?" and "Agent of chaos, angel of death." Her words explore the tension between desire, connection, and the fear of losing it all, drawing listeners into a deeply personal space. The lyrics are both tender and raw, offering a nuanced portrayal of love and longing.
A Strong Introduction to Forever Is A Feeling
As the lead single from Forever Is A Feeling, "Ankles" sets an exciting precedent for what’s to come. Lucy Dacus continues to prove herself as a master of emotional storytelling, blending intricate acoustic arrangements with heartfelt, passionate lyrics. The song leaves a lasting impression with its haunting beauty, making it clear that Dacus’ upcoming album will be one to watch.
Listen to Lucy Dacus Ankles
Lucy Dacus Ankles Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Ankles by Lucy Dacus is a deep exploration of the complexities of desire, vulnerability, and intimacy. The song navigates the tension between physical longing and emotional connection, offering a raw, stripped-down reflection on the internal struggle between indulging in fleeting moments of passion and yearning for something more lasting and intimate. Through its poignant lyrics and evocative imagery, Dacus delves into the allure and risk of opening oneself up to love and lust, ultimately suggesting that to truly experience the beauty of connection, one must be willing to embrace both the joy and the potential pain that come with it.
Verse 1: Contemplation and Desire
In the first verse, the speaker presents a scenario where they and the muse refrain from physical touch:
"What if we don't touch? What if we only talk / About what we want and cannot have?"
This establishes the idea that perhaps they are considering the implications of crossing the line into a physical relationship. The speaker seems to suggest that they should focus on their desires and discuss them before acting on them, as a way to ensure they are aligned in their intentions.
Verse 1: Frustration and Longing
The lines:
"And I'll throw a fit / If it's all I can do"
reveal a tension within the speaker. While they want to proceed cautiously, the frustration of only talking about their desires builds up. The metaphor of "throwing a fit" suggests that even though they are discussing the situation, there’s a growing impatience or longing for something more than conversation.
Verse 1: The Power of Thought
"If it's the thought that counts / Let's think it through"
introduces the idea that if physicality is off-limits for now, they can at least explore these desires mentally or emotionally, as a form of anticipation. It’s as if the speaker is trying to satisfy their desire by thinking about it deeply, a method of processing their emotions before any potential action.
Pre-Chorus: Indulging in Fantasy
The pre-chorus brings the listener closer to the speaker’s intimate thoughts.
"So bite me on the shoulder / Pull my hair / And let me touch you where I want to / There, there, there, there, there"
depicts a moment of fantasy. Even though the speaker initially suggested only talking, they now delve into imagining what physical intimacy would be like. The repetition of "there" emphasizes their eagerness and yearning, showing that they are indulging in the fantasy of closeness and touch. This part suggests a shift from intellectualizing their relationship to engaging with their physical desires, reflecting the internal conflict between restraint and longing.
Chorus: Surrendering to Desire
In the chorus, the speaker fully surrenders to their desires:
"Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed / And take me like you do in your dreams / I'm not gonna stop you / I'm not gonna stop you this time, baby."
The speaker is now ready to cross the line, allowing the muse to act on their mutual desires. By referencing dreams, the speaker acknowledges that these fantasies have been ongoing, but this time, they are willing to let them become reality. The phrase "I'm not gonna stop you" signals a relinquishing of control, a decision to let passion take over.
Chorus: The Desire for Emotional Intimacy
However, the following lines introduce a layer of emotional intimacy beyond the physical act:
"Then help me with the crossword in the mornings / You are gonna make me tea / Gonna ask me how did I sleep."
This suggests that the speaker isn’t just seeking a fleeting moment of passion, but rather a deeper connection that extends beyond the bedroom. The act of helping with a crossword or making tea implies domestic, long-term intimacy, showing that the speaker desires a relationship that balances both physical and emotional closeness.
Verse 2: Fate and Vulnerability
The second verse introduces the idea of fate and risk in relationships:
"Agent of chaos, angel of death / One of three ancient fates / Playing with your scissors again."
Here, the speaker seems to recognize the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of love. The "ancient fates" allusion suggests that their relationship, like the mythological figures who controlled destiny, is out of their hands to some degree. The mention of "scissors" references Atropos, one of the fates who cuts the thread of life, hinting at the possibility of an ending or heartbreak.
Verse 2: Embracing the Risks of Love
"How lucky are we to have so much to lose?"
is a reflection on the beauty and risk of vulnerability. The speaker acknowledges that the deeper their connection, the more there is to lose, but they see this as a privilege—implying that love, despite its risks, is worth it. This line shifts the focus from fear to gratitude, recognizing that the potential for loss comes with the reward of love and intimacy.
Chorus: Full Surrender and Reaffirmation
In the repeated chorus, the speaker reaffirms their desire to fully engage in the physical and emotional aspects of the relationship:
"Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed / And take me like you do in your dreams / I'm not gonna stop you this time, baby."
The repetition of this line reinforces the speaker's decision to embrace their desires. It reflects a shift from contemplation and hesitation to complete surrender, accepting both the passion and the risks involved.
Chorus: Longing for a Lasting Connection
The final lines,
"Then help me with the crossword in the mornings / You are gonna make me tea / Gonna ask me how did I sleep,"
reaffirm the speaker's longing for a connection that balances desire with a sense of care and companionship. It’s clear that what the speaker truly desires is not just fleeting passion but a relationship that thrives on both emotional and physical intimacy.
Lucy Dacus Ankles Lyrics
[Verse 1]
What if we don't touch?
What if we only talk
About what we want and cannot have?
And I'll throw a fit
If it's all I can do
If it's the thought that counts
Let's think it through
[Pre-Chorus]
So bite me on the shoulder
Pull my hair
And let me touch you where I want to
There, there, there, there, there
[Chorus]
Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed
And take me like you do in your dreams
I'm not gonna stop you
I'm not gonna stop you this time, baby
I want you to show me what you mean
Then help me with the crossword in the mornings
You are gonna make me tea
Gonna ask me how did I sleep
[Verse 2]
Agent of chaos, angel of death
One of three ancient fates
Playing with your scissors again
How lucky are we to have so much to lose?
Now don't move when I tell you what to do
[Chorus]
Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed
And take me like you do in your dreams
I'm not gonna stop you
I'm not gonna stop you this time, baby
I want you to show me what you mean
Then help me with the crossword in the mornings
You are gonna make me tea
Gonna ask me how did I sleep
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