Meaning of "Meadow" by Stone Temple Pilots

"Meadow" by Stone Temple Pilots explores themes of infatuation, lost love, and the fleeting nature of relationships. The song begins with a sense of admiration for Clementine. The line "Rise and shine, Clementine" signifies the narrator's fascination with her. He finds her presence captivating, acknowledging that there is something about her that draws him in. The repeated question of whether Clementine could dance implies a desire for her companionship, ready to fade away together in a dreamlike state.

The chorus ("Yeah, we're all just killing time and having fun") suggests a carefree and playful attitude towards life. It emphasizes the idea of living in the present moment and enjoying what life has to offer. The mention of being in the sun further reinforces this notion of carefree enjoyment.

However, the second verse reveals that Clementine has moved on, leaving the narrator longing for her. "You'll be mine, Clementine" expresses his inability to live without her, while acknowledging that she has already made her decision. The line "I'll remember your ways and the thrills that you gave" indicates that despite the heartache, the narrator still cherishes the memories of their time together.

The symbolism of fire in the context of the meadow represents the intensity and passion of their past relationship. "Drink from the fire" reflects the desire to relive those intense emotions, the luck in their eyes representing the optimism they had. The stains of their souls refer to the marks left by their past experiences together, suggesting that their relationship, while perhaps flawed or ended, has left a lasting impact on both of them.

In the instrumental break, the solo allows for a moment of reflection and contemplation. It serves as a bridge between the longing expressed in the earlier verses and the repetition of the chorus that emphasizes the idea of embracing the present.