Meaning of "Inflatable" by Bush
The lyrics of "Inflatable" delve into the complexities of love and the emotions that come with it. The protagonist begins with a hopeful tone, expressing their belief in the love they have for their partner and how it brings them peace. However, the lyrics take a turn as they acknowledge that this love, despite being thought to be infallible, does fail. This highlights the inevitable shortcomings and difficulties that can arise in any relationship, no matter how strong the love may seem. The line "When we shine like the sun, you seem the only one, my only friend" depicts the intensity of the love the protagonist feels towards their partner. They see their partner as their ultimate source of happiness and support, but also acknowledge the fragility of this love.
The lyrics take a deeper dive into the protagonist's emotional state, describing how they have "resigned from" themselves and taken on a different persona. This suggests that they have lost a sense of their own identity within the relationship, feeling as though they have "come undone." The line "inflatable for you" makes use of a vivid metaphor, signifying the protagonist's willingness to change and adapt to please their partner, even if it means sacrificing their own sense of self. This reflects the lengths people sometimes go to in order to maintain a relationship, often at the expense of their own well-being.
The line "You're so pretty in white, pretty when you're faithful" revolves around the idea that the protagonist finds their partner beautiful when they possess qualities traditionally associated with purity and loyalty. It implies that faithfulness is a desirable trait, perhaps suggesting that the protagonist has faced betrayal in the past. However, the repetition of this line throughout the song could also imply a sense of longing and disappointment, as the protagonist yearns for this idealized version of their partner, even amidst the challenges they face.
The line "I don't mind most of the time, but you push me so far inside" suggests that while the protagonist may tolerate certain aspects of the relationship, there is a limit to their patience. It implies that their partner's actions or behavior has caused the protagonist to retreat into themselves, feeling overwhelmed and suffocated. This further emphasizes the internal conflict and turmoil the protagonist experiences within the relationship.
Overall, "Inflatable" explores the complexities of love and the difficulties that can arise when navigating a relationship. It delves into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the desire for a love that remains faithful. It highlights the highs and lows of love, as well as the struggle to maintain one's own sense of self while being committed to another person.
