Only Shallow

The song 'Only Shallow' by My Bloody Valentine is a track that encapsulates the band's signature shoegaze sound, characterized by its ethereal guitar textures and obscured vocals. The lyrics of the song are abstract and open to interpretation, but they seem to evoke themes of escapism, introspection, and the complexities of human emotion.

The repeated references to sleep and pillows suggest a desire for comfort and a retreat from the harshness of reality. The lines 'Sleep like a pillow / No one there' and 'Soft as a pillow / Touch her there / Where she won't dare' could imply a yearning for a safe, untouched space, possibly within one's own mind. The use of 'pillow' as a metaphor for this sanctuary reinforces the idea of seeking solace in a dreamlike state, away from the troubles of the waking world.

The song's structure and delivery contribute to its enigmatic quality. The fragmented lyrics, coupled with the hazy, swirling guitar sounds, create a sense of disorientation, mirroring the confusion and complexity of the emotions being conveyed. The mention of a mirror and the absence of a reflection ('Look / In the mirror / She's not there') could symbolize a loss of identity or a disconnect from one's own self. Overall, 'Only Shallow' invites listeners to dive into a sonic landscape that is as immersive as it is elusive, reflecting on the depths of their own consciousness.