Meaning of "Jellyfish" by Local Natives

"Jellyfish" explores the theme of love and its fleeting nature. The lyrics depict the narrator's experience of being caught up in a whirlwind romance. The line "Love, I'm already ten steps ahead" suggests that the narrator is fully immersed in the relationship, thinking and planning ahead. However, their excitement quickly turns to disappointment and confusion when they realize that they have taken the wrong path in this love journey. The imagery of falling head over heels and then being left alone emphasizes the suddenness and unpredictability of love's ups and downs.

The song also touches on the concept of boredom. The line "If you're bored, you're boring" suggests that the narrator believes that boredom is a reflection of one's own lack of engagement with life. This could be seen as a critique of apathy and a call to prioritize passion and connection. The desire for a warning in the lyrics, "Could I get a warning?" shows the human need for some sort of sign or indication before major changes occur. It highlights the longing for control and stability, even in the context of love.

Another theme present in the lyrics is the yearning for connection in a disconnected world. The line "Tired commuter heads sway and bow, praying to you" describes a scene on a train where people seem disconnected and lost in their own thoughts. The comparison of these heads to jellyfish limbs suggests a sense of aimlessness and drifting, mirroring the loneliness and lack of direction that can arise in modern life. The narrator sees these people who are disconnected from one another and longs for a deeper connection and understanding.

Overall, "Jellyfish" by Local Natives delves into the complexity of love, the fleeting nature of relationships, the longing for connection in a disconnected world, and the desire for meaning amidst the chaos of life.