Crystals by Of Monsters and Men Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Layers of Emotional Resonance
Lyrics
Caught in clouds of silver ropes
Showered by the empty hopes
As I tumble down, falling fast to the ground
I know I’ll wither, so peel away the bark
‘Cause nothing grows when it is dark
In spite of all my fears, I can see it all so clear
I see it all so clear
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And feel the tones that tremble down your spine
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And let your colors bleed and blend with mine
Making waves in pitch black sand
Feel the salt dance on my hands
Raw and charcoal colored thighs
Feel so cold and my skin feels so paper-thin
I know I’ll wither, so peel away the bark
‘Cause nothing grows when it is dark
In spite of all my fears, I can see it all so clear
I see it all so clear
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And feel the tones that tremble down your spine
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And let your colors bleed and blend with mine
But I’m okay in see-through skin
I forgive what is within
‘Cause I’m in this house
I’m in this home
All my time
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And feel the tones that tremble down your spine
Woah
Cover your crystal eyes
And let your colors bleed and blend with mine
In the vast expanse of the lyrical universe, few songs resonate with the harmony of raw emotion and the beauty of allegory as deeply as Of Monsters and Men’s ‘Crystals’. From its hypnotic opening to its hauntingly beautiful chorus, ‘Crystals’ is not just a song but a journey—a spiritual sojourn that invites listeners to uncover the shimmering veins of meaning beneath its surface.
Icelandic indie fold quintet Of Monsters and Men have a knack for painting auditive landscapes that are both ethereal and grounding. ‘Crystals’, from their sophomore album ‘Beneath The Skin’, serves as a testament to their craft. With a closer inspection of the lyrics and the atmospheric musical arrangement, we are compelled to understand the song not only as a melody but as a profound narrative rife with symbolism and emotional depth.
An Ode to Vulnerability and Transformation
‘Crystals’ opens as a quiet reflection, the narrator lost in ‘skies of powdered gold,’ instantly establishing a dreamlike quality that permeates throughout the song. It’s an image of falling, a metaphor for the surrender that often precedes a profound change. The ‘clouds of silver ropes’ and ’empty hopes’ allude to the illusions and false securities that one must release to embrace a transformation.
The plea to ‘peel away the bark’ suggests shedding the hardened layers of self, mirroring the natural process of a tree, which must sometimes shed its outer layers to foster new growth. It’s a powerful call to embrace vulnerability, to allow oneself to ‘wither’ and be reborn, acknowledging the purest form of existence underneath the surface.
Crystal Eyes: A Metaphor for Inner Sight
The chorus resonates with the phrase ‘Cover your crystal eyes’, conjuring images of a mystical vision that is clear and fragile all at once. The crystal eyes symbolize a perspective that is both precious and delicate, representing a state of heightened awareness that must be safeguarded. There’s a palpable duality here, between the need to protect one’s sight and the desire to merge one’s colors, or essence, with another.
As these ‘crystal eyes’ are covered, the senses are heightened—’tones that tremble down your spine’ speak to an intimate, almost otherworldly, connection with the music and, metaphorically, with life’s profound emotions. This sensory cascade invites a blending of hues, a deep communion of souls reaching for togetherness amidst their individual journeys.
Charting the Depths of Desolation
‘Making waves in pitch black sand’ captures the essence of stirring up the depths of one’s own darkness, confronting the shadowy aspects within. There’s an embrace of the uncomfortable, ‘the salt dance on my hands’, indicative of the stinging sensations that come with facing one’s fears and the bitter truths of life.
The song’s imagery is laden with contrast—darkness and light, coldness and warmth, fragility and endurance. This push and pull underscore the tumultuous process of personal growth, the ‘raw and charcoal colored thighs’ serving to remind us that even in our most vulnerable, exposed state, there is a stark beauty to be acknowledged.
A Comforting Embrace in the Midst of Uncertainty
Despite the themes of vulnerability and transformation that course through ‘Crystals’, the narrative voice finds solace within the chaos. ‘But I’m okay in see-through skin’ is a gentle affirmation of acceptance, an acknowledgment of the transparency and openness that become possible when one has faced their inner trials and come to terms with who they truly are.
‘I forgive what is within’ sings like a soothing balm, a self-love mantra that enables the narrator to root themselves ‘in this house, in this home.’ This line symbolizes the ultimate destination of the song’s journey—an internal dwelling of peace and self-acceptance that persists ‘all my time’. One senses that amidst the anxious symphony of life, a place of genuine comfort has been carved out from within.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Melancholic Melody
‘Crystals’ transcends its melodic appeal to unveil a deeply spiritual layer. Beyond a mere backdrop for the song’s lyrical voyage, the harmony acts as the compass guiding us through the fog. The stark instrumentation juxtaposed with the lush harmonies reflects the lyrical themes of struggle and serenity, echoing the duality of human existence.
It is in this intricate dance of melody and metaphor that the hidden meaning of ‘Crystals’ truly crystallizes. Every drawn-out note, every harmonious crescendo pulls at the soul, beckoning us to look within and find our own crystal eyes. By merging their poetic narrative with sensory soundscapes, Of Monsters and Men have crafted a song that operates on multiple levels, resonating with those who seek meaning amidst the rhythms of life.





