Can you tell us what you think “stopped trying to drill the safe” means?
well, a safe is a strong object used to protect/hide valuables. ideally, you unlock a safe with a code, and it opens freely, but if you don't have the code, you need to find ways to force your way in, like by drilling through the sides.
it paints a picture of joe as someone who's private, guarded, impenetrable, at least to taylor. she couldn't get him to open up to her, and she made the decision to stop trying to force it.
also reminds me of the alcott (i had to do something to break into your golden thinking) and how it's a story of a couple that is drifting from each other, they're becoming strangers to each other.
also reminds me of hoax (you knew the password so i let you in the door) and how that describes a relationship where she's been deeply hurt by someone who knows her tenderest, most vulnerable wounds.
and renegade (there was nowhere for me to stay, but i stayed anyway ... open the blinds, let me see your face), where she's begging her partner to let her in. she couldn't crack the safe.
"did my love aid and abet you" is a line to end all lines by the way. did my forgiveness and grace enable you? did you only treat me that way because you knew you could? did i allow you to do that to me because i didn't stop loving you? i love you, it's ruining my life
why don’t you rain on my parade. shred my evening gown. read my sentence out loud. cause i love this curse on our house. tell me which side are you on dear. give me some tips to forget you. have i become one of your problems. could it be easy this once. everything that’s mine is a landmine. did my love aid and abet you.
“and the last thing you wanted is the first thing I do, i tell you my problems” and the response being “you tell me the truth” it’s like you’ve been telling your partner to show you their cards and when they finally do, they’re like “this is actually breaking me and i think im breaking you by sharing” it’s very “did my love aid and abet you?” like “i was tryna heal you with my love but i accidentally broke you because you were too delicate”
and then the “everything that’s mine is a landmine” is so heartbreaking because the person who was trying to heal you now feels they’re bad for even trying to help and how could something they touch and have not burst into pieces?
ooh to me that line is actually sexual. i’m pretty sure it has a double meaning of some sort, but i see it as an elegant way of saying, ‘i want to relish in the emotional pain and physical pleasure of our relationship.’ rain on my parade! rip my dress apart! i love this curse on our house because it combines these things! I accept my sentence to be miserable and passionate with you at the same time. idk idk
oh SHIT maria i think you just unlocked this for me. yes! it makes complete sense with the way those lines are structured. why DON'T you do these things? that feels totally right. thank you big brain!
I tell you my problems (like how obsessed we are with Taylor and The National). You tell us the truth (like how that is completely normal). The Alcott, song + lyric video out now. 🧵📔