Tiny Vessels
Tiny Vessels

Death Cab for Cutie - Tiny Vessels Lyrics

In the poignant narrative of unreciprocated emotions, the protagonist grapples with the hollowness of his relationships. He confesses to professing love without genuinely feeling it, underscoring the superficiality of his connections. The recurring phrase… Read more

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Oct 7, 2003
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Tiny Vessels Music Video

Tiny Vessels Lyrics

This is the moment that you know
That you told you loved her, but you don't
You touch her skin and then you think
That she is beautiful
But she don't mean a thing to me
Yeah, she is beautiful
But she don't mean a thing to me

I spent two weeks in Silverlake
The California sun cascading down my face
There was a girl with light brown streaks
And she was beautiful
But she didn't mean a thing to me
Yeah, she was beautiful
But she didn't mean a thing to me

I wanted to believe in all the words that I was speaking
As we moved together in the dark
And all the friends that I was telling
And all the playful misspellings
And every bite I gave that left a mark

When tiny vessels oozed into your neck
And formed the bruises
That you said you didn't want to fade
But they did, and so did I that day

All I see are dark grey clouds
In the distance moving closer with every hour
So when you 'd ask "Is something wrong?"
I think "You're damn right there is, but we can't talk about it now
No, we can't talk about it now"

So one last touch, and then you'll go
And we'll pretend that it meant something so much more
But it was vile, and it was cheap
And you are beautiful
But you don't mean a thing to me
Yeah, you are beautiful
But you don't mean a thing to me
Yeah, you are beautiful
But you don't mean a thing to me

Writer(s): Benjamin Gibbard, Nicholas Harmer
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Tiny Vessels?

In the poignant narrative of unreciprocated emotions, the protagonist grapples with the hollowness of his relationships. He confesses to professing love without genuinely feeling it, underscoring the superficiality of his connections. The recurring phrase "she is beautiful but she doesn't mean a thing to me" emphasizes this emptiness and detachment. The singer's regret for causing emotional harm is evident in the reference to 'bruises' that he wished wouldn't fade but did, symbolizing transient relationships and feelings. The closing lines encapsulate a desperate attempt to maintain an illusion of depth in a shallow interaction, further highlighting his struggle with insincere emotions. Overall, this song explores themes of emotional dishonesty, regret, and the painful consequences of ephemeral relationships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What metaphor is used in 'Tiny Vessels' to symbolize fleeting affection?

    In 'Tiny Vessels,' Ben Gibbard uses the metaphor of bite marks, referred to as 'tiny vessels,' on the girl's neck during lovemaking. These marks, which she wishes would never fade, symbolize temporary emotions and affections that inevitably disappear over time, just like the physical marks themselves.

  2. Why does the protagonist feel conflicted in 'Tiny Vessels'?

    The protagonist in 'Tiny Vessels' feels conflicted because despite being physically attracted to a woman and recognizing her beauty, he realizes that he has no deeper emotional connection or feelings for her. This conflict arises from his disappointment in himself for valuing superficial attraction over meaningful qualities.

  3. How does the setting contribute to the theme of 'Tiny Vessels'?

    The setting of Silverlake with its California sun adds a layer of superficial beauty and allure to 'Tiny Vessels.' It reflects the protagonist's initial attraction and subsequent realization that something so seemingly perfect on the outside can still be devoid of personal significance or deeper emotional value.

  4. What does the repeated line about beauty signify in 'Tiny Vessels'?

    'She was beautiful but she didn’t mean a thing to me,' repeated throughout the song, underscores a central theme: external beauty alone is insufficient for meaningful connections. It highlights the emptiness felt by the protagonist and his struggle with placing too much importance on physical appearance.

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