Human by Christina Perri Lyrics Meaning – The Anthem of Vulnerability and Strength
Lyrics
I can bite my tongue
I can stay awake for days
If that’s what you want
Be your number one
I can fake a smile
I can force a laugh
I can dance and play the part
If that’s what you ask
Give you all I am
I can do it
I can do it
I can do it
But I’m only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I’m only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
‘Cause I’m only human, yeah
I can turn it on
Be a good machine
I can hold the weight of worlds
If that’s what you need
Be your everything
I can do it
I can do it
I’ll get through it
But I’m only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I’m only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
‘Cause I’m only human, yeah
I’m only human
I’m only human
Just a little human
I can take so much
Until I’ve had enough
‘Cause I’m only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I’m only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
‘Cause I’m only human, yeah
Christina Perri’s hit song ‘Human’ resonates as an emotional powerhouse that delves deep into the core of vulnerability and strength. Layered with introspective lyrics and a haunting melody, it has captured the hearts of listeners, offering an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to be perfect in an imperfect world.
Behind its captivating tune, ‘Human’ serves as a raw confession of the limits of our capacity, juxtaposed with the societal expectations to transcend them. It’s a poignant reminder that beneath the façade of resilience, we are all subject to the complex human experience of pain, failure, and the pursuit of acceptance.
The Intensity Behind the Chorus
The chorus of ‘Human’ is a powerful admission, a revealing moment where Perri declares her humanity. It’s a sobering confession that despite our best efforts to be strong, we all have a breaking point where pretense falls away and our true self emerges, bleeding and shattered.
These lines aren’t just lyrics; they are a mirror held up to the listener, reflecting our collective struggles and the often unspoken truth: we ‘bleed when we fall down’. This universality is what makes the song a touchstone, reminding us that it’s okay to break and falter in our pursuit of being our best selves.
The Weight of Perfection in ‘Human’
Perri’s use of imagery such as ‘I can hold the weight of worlds’ is a metaphorical nod to the Atlas-like responsibilities we often shoulder. The song is woven with the internal dialogue of someone straining under the weight of expectation, all while maintaining a stoic facade.
Whether it’s staying awake for days, playing a role, or being everything to someone, ‘Human’ speaks to the extremes we go to in order to be deemed worthy or loved. But Perri’s acute realization that we are, in fact, ‘only human’ serves as both a plea for acknowledgment and a declaration of self-compassion.
Peeling Back the Layers of Armor – A Transformation Revealed
Christina Perri eloquently peels back the layers of armor we wear daily. Each verse and bridge in ‘Human’ undresses the soul, stripping away the expectations and leaving behind the pure, unadulterated form of self. It’s in the simplicity of ‘I’m only human’ where we find the song’s mighty, beating heart.
The transformation described in ‘Human’ isn’t about becoming something more; instead, it’s about revealing what’s already there. Each ‘I can do it’ grows quietly more defiant, as if Perri is both encouraging herself and giving us permission to embrace our imperfections as part of the beautiful tapestry of what it means to be truly human.
Memorable Lines: The Anthem’s Rallying Cry
Certain lyrics in ‘Human’ stand out not only for their emotional depth but for their call-to-arms quality. ‘You build me up and then I fall apart’ is a line that resonates deeply, echoing the highs and lows of our personal journeys and relationships. It’s a line that acts as the anthem’s rallying cry.
Each syllable is drenched with the recognition of our shared plight—how often we’re elevated, perhaps by praise or love, only to feel the sting of falling short or losing that support. It’s relatable, it’s real, and it’s a stark reminder of our need for a genuine connection and understanding.
Unraveling the Hidden Meaning in ‘Human’
Beneath the surface, ‘Human’ harbors a deeper, often overlooked message. It’s a meta-commentary on the price of fame and the pedestal we place our idols upon. Artists, much like the protagonist in the song, are expected to sustain superhuman feats, perpetually dancing under the harsh spotlight.
Christina Perri subverts these expectations, and as she voices her own fragility, she challenges the listener to dispose of the illusions we cast on others. The song becomes a hidden conversation about empathy for those we observe from afar, be they celebrities, leaders, or even those close to us, and a reminder to treat their humanity with gentleness.
