Song meaning of Every Tear Disappears by St. Vincent

The song "Every Tear Disappears" by St. Vincent explores themes of resilience, inner strength, and the ability to overcome pain and adversity. The lyrics convey a desire to find magic and a deeper meaning in life beyond superficial appearances. The line "Oh, a smile is more than showing teeth" suggests that true happiness goes beyond surface level expressions.

The repeated phrase "Every tear disappears" throughout the chorus represents the idea that with time and resilience, emotional pain can be overcome and healed. It speaks to the transformative power of perseverance and the ability to move on from difficult experiences. The lyrics highlight the struggles faced by the singer, as emphasized in the line "Oh, the more that I struggle, oh, the deeper in the pit." However, the acknowledgment of these struggles also reveals an underlying strength, as indicated by the line "If I can show a hand then I can show a fist."

The bridge introduces the notion that pain fades over time, emphasizing the temporary nature of suffering. It also portrays the singer as someone who has experienced pain and understands that it eventually dissipates, saying, "Don't ask me how, I just know that it fades." The outro reflects a sense of rebirth and resilience, with the repetition of "Yeah, I live on wire, Yeah, I've been born twice." It suggests that the singer has gone through transformative experiences, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Overall, the song's message is one of hope and the power of overcoming hardship. It encourages listeners to find strength in challenging times and emphasizes the ability to heal and grow from painful experiences.