Oblivion

She says in a interview: "The song's sort of about being – I was assaulted and I had a really hard time engaging in any types of relationship with men, because I was just so terrified of men for a while." (http://www.spin.com/#articles/grimes-interview-2012-big-year) So the fact that the song is called "Oblivion" is obviously her commenting and reflecting on herself concerning this experience when it initially happened. The juxtaposition of light upbeat sound and heavy meaning (much like "Pumped up Kicks - Foster the People) almost seems like a cartharsis. With this in mind the lyrics fall together quite well to tell the story of what this incident has done to her.

"I never walk about, After dark, It's my point of view, That someone could break your neck Coming up behind you always coming and you never have a clue" It's funny the way she words this, rather than focusing on why it's her point of view (which she most likely doesn't want to do) she's giving a sort example to follow... words of warning to others. "And now I look behind all the time, I will wait forever, Always looking straight, Thinking counting all the hours you wait" She's always expecting her attacker to come back, now than it's happened, she'll be prepared next time, because now she'll always be alert. Looking straight ahead as to not give in to her fear, walking straight to the goal, rather than meandering. She's also wonders how long he must have been waiting there for her... "See you on a dark night" poetically this lyric makes the song like a twisted romance... between her and her attacker... she will always see him on a dark night, in her head.

I'd be inclined to agree that its a song about a girl walking alone at night/ physical insecurity but the coming off drugs thing also rings true.

To be honest, I'm not bothered that much what its about but as a 40-something year old father of kids I have to say that both myself and my wife havent heard a tune this fresh, catchy and different in a long, long time. This kids has talent, I hope she goes a long way.

For those who are interested in an old boys ramblings there are shades of early Depeche Mode and Human League in this song. Lyrically its structured (I'll be shot for this, I know) very like 'I Think We're Alone Now' by Tiffany. And neither of those comments detract from this song, incidentally.

It's not "ANOTHER walk about after dark"

Should be "I NEVER walk about after dark, it's my point of view"

It's not "another PLAY I WOULD ACT"

Should be "another CLUE I WOULD ASK"

It's not "NOW THE EMPATHY EMPOWERS ME"

Should be "ITS GONNA BE TOUGH FOR ME"

Like raspy says, she stated in an interview that she was assaulted, and this song was kind of her way of coping with the situation. She said she spent years paranoid and frightened, and finally opted to make a song that kind of subverts her assault -- it kind of fingers the line of sounding like SHE'S the one stalking someone at night and also being stalked.

The first half of the song is very narrative -- walking around at night, musing about how she can just walk up to the man and snap his neck. Sort of a reversal of power. But then, she talks about how -she- fearfully walks, staring straight ahead, fighting the urge to glance behind her, etc. However, this is still sung in sort of an ambiguous way, like she's commenting on the man she follows glancing at her, and she's staring straight ahead, focused on him. Finally, the "See you on a dark night" is pretty literal but still ambiguous, both the statement of the stalker and the stalked -- they know they'll see each other on a dark night. It's both helpless and powerful, to fit both roles.

The second half is when it seems to turn to self-reflection and her fear of men. She mentions her aloneness and how it's hard to have a relationship with a man again, she can't find someone to hold her hand. But, she doesn't enjoy her fear, and she really just wants someone to give her the kick she needs to grow out of it; to look into her eyes and tell her everything is okay ("la la la la la~")

x)

The music in the middle of this song sounds like something from The Sims 2, which is awesome.

Ok I would just like to say to the one and only hater on here, I think that its sad that you take them as a "joke". Is it just because she has a weird new sound to her? Because I personally think that her just being a little different and strange makes her set herself apart from everything else that's been sounding the same these days. Grimes is a very talented, innovated band. Just saw them live at Pitchfork too... absolutely amazing.

I always thought this song was being a woman walking alone at night when it's dark and wondering about if you're going to get raped or being murdered when you're alone.

There is a slight irony in that the title is 'oblivion' [being unaware of the surroundings], and yet the content of the song obsesses over a dark fate which could await. This suggests to me that whilst the speaker is perceived as 'oblivious', she is in fact inwardly conscious of the slightest danger which could occur. I feel this is reflected in the music by the contrast between the light-hearted and sugary sweet vocals at the beginning of the sing, and the sinister riff which enters in the final quarter which dominates at the very end, perhaps indicating something bad did happen.

...or perhaps the riff reflects her insecurities, and the sweet 'la la la' which is sung over the top is the facade of not caring.

This song screams "Dominate me!" . Its about submissive girl who want a dominant partner!

"I never walk about, after dark, It's my point of view, Someone could break your neck, Coming up behind you always coming and you'd never have a clue" someone coming up behind means a desire for a dominant figure to take control unexpectedly.

"And now they look behind, all the time, I will wait forever, always looking straight, Thinking, counting, all the hours you wait" The shift to the third person ("they") means that are more than one person waiting for a chance to dominate her, while she is eagerly anticipating their arrival.

"See you on a dark night" This line continues to convey a longing for encounters with a dominant partner during nighttime, reinforcing the desire for a specific kind of intimate experience.

"And now another clue, I would ask, If you could help me out, It's hard to understand, Cause when you're really by yourself, It's hard to find someone to hold your hand" The mention of asking for help and expressing difficulty in understanding could imply a submissive plea for guidance and support from a dominant figure, that can take charge and provide comfort.

"And now it's gonna be, tough on me, But I will wait forever, "I need someone now to look into my eyes and tell me, Girl you know you gotta watch your health" The acknowledgment that it's going to be tough suggests a recognition of the challenges that may come with a submissive role, but the commitment to waiting forever reinforces the dedication to finding the right dominant partner, a care giver !

deep stuff. wonderful song.