Meaning of "Petals" by Mariah Carey

The lyrics of "Petals" by Mariah Carey delve into the artist's personal experiences and emotions. The song explores the idea of a perfect family, the longing for undividedness, and the search for stability. Carey reflects on her childhood and the changes she witnessed within her family dynamic, symbolized by a flower that taught her how to pray but eventually started to scatter its golden petals in the wind. This represents the breakdown of her family unit and the loss she experienced.

Carey also discusses her relationships with her siblings, expressing love and longing for them as she hopes they will recover and reconcile. The artist then turns her attention to the betrayal she experienced from people she considered close to her. Their actions, symbolized by a knife chipping away at her, caused her great pain and made her feel abandoned. Despite the hurt, she finds the strength to break away and fly, seeking to preserve her sanity and rediscover herself.

The overarching meaning of "Petals" is the exploration of the complexities of family, relationships, betrayal, and personal growth. It highlights the pain caused by broken relationships and the yearning for forgiveness and reconciliation. The song also underscores the importance of preserving one's sanity and finding the strength to break away from toxic situations.