Meaning of "Ribcage" by Andy Black

The lyrics of "Ribcage" delve into themes of emotional emptiness and the desire to protect oneself from pain. The speaker opens the song by proclaiming a state of numbness and a lack of feeling, implying that they have closed themselves off emotionally. This detachment from emotions is further emphasized by the lyrics "I couldn't love someone" and "got no heart to break." The ribcage is used as a metaphor for emotional vulnerability and the loss of innocence. The lines "Take you out, never bring you back again" and "Can't recall how we lost our innocence" suggest a past experience that has caused the speaker to close themselves off emotionally. The emptiness in the ribcage is portrayed as a safe space, as if the speaker has adopted a self-protective mindset to avoid further pain.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of losing one's sense of self and not being able to find a place to belong. The lines "There is no one, I can belong to" and "On the path of never leading home" convey a feeling of isolation and a lack of connection with others. The speaker feels lost and disconnected, as if they have cut themselves off from any possibility of finding emotional fulfillment.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ribcage" reflect a melancholic and introspective tone. The speaker expresses a sense of emptiness and numbness, highlighting their inability to love or feel a sense of belonging. The metaphor of the ribcage emphasizes their desire to protect themselves from emotional pain, even if it means sacrificing the potential for love and connection.