Meaning of "Solitaire" by Marina And The Diamonds

In "Solitaire," Marina And The Diamonds express a longing for solitude and an aversion to societal norms and expectations. The speaker is tired of engaging in meaningless conversation, desiring silence and introspection instead. Locking themselves away from the outside world, they find comfort in the sound of sirens, symbolizing chaos and danger. Through the window, they observe a city filled with material wealth and socializing, while they feel content to be on their own. The speaker compares themselves to a precious stone, describing their toughness, coldness, and beauty. They have learned to rely on themselves for emotional repair when their lover is absent.

The chorus reinforces the theme of individuality as the speaker declares themselves to be like a solitaire, a rare and valuable jewel, setting them apart from others. They reject being compared to the superficiality and artificiality symbolized by cheap shimmer and glitter.

The second verse invokes a longing for England, specifically the ice blue and grey skies, which are seen as soothing and comforting. The speaker openly admits that all they want to do is drink and be silent, emphasizing their desire to disconnect from the noisy world and find solace within themselves. The speaker compares their life to a garden, watching it unfold around them and reflecting on their hardened heart.

The bridge explores the narrator's journey towards self-discovery and self-preservation. Initially, they were astounded by the presence of others, feeling the need to conceal their vulnerability and create boundaries. The sardonic line, "all the fakes, they called me cursed," suggests that the narrator's authenticity was not readily accepted by those who preferred superficiality. However, the speaker rejects this perception, proclaiming that they were merely covered in dirt, a metaphor for their true self being hidden beneath societal expectations and judgments.

Through "Solitaire," Marina And The Diamonds convey the theme of embracing solitude and individuality while rejecting societal pressures to conform. The lyrics highlight the importance of self-care and self-discovery, while critiquing the shallow nature of contemporary society.