The Chainsmokers and Halsey’s “Closer” dominated the airwaves for what felt like an eternity. You couldn’t escape it, and while some initially dismissed it as another generic pop song destined for fleeting fame, its chart-topping reign proved otherwise. Even those who, like myself, lean towards less mainstream genres, couldn’t deny its persistent presence in the cultural landscape. So, what is it about this track that resonated so deeply, and what secrets lie hidden within its lyrics, especially that intriguing line: “bite that tattoo on your shoulder”?
On the surface, “Closer” is often described as a millennial romance anthem, a celebration of youthful indiscretion and heartbreak. The official narrative paints a picture of rekindled romance and nostalgic longing. But digging a little deeper into the lyrics, a more complex, perhaps even darker, interpretation emerges.
“Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you
I drink too much and that’s an issue but I’m okay
Hey, you tell your friends it was nice to meet them.
But I hope I never see them again”
These opening lines immediately set a tone of flawed characters and perhaps a slightly unhealthy dynamic. Our narrator acknowledges personal issues and a hint of social awkwardness, suggesting a relationship built on something other than pure, uncomplicated affection from the outset.
“I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke down car
And four years, no calls
Now you’re looking pretty in a hotel bar
And I can’t stop
No, I can’t stop.”
The story unfolds, revealing a history and a reunion. Four years have passed since their paths diverged, and now they meet again in a bar. The narrator’s repeated “I can’t stop” hints at an almost compulsive attraction, setting the stage for the song’s most memorable and debated lyric.
“So baby, pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover
That I know you can’t afford
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of the mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain’t ever getting older.”
This is the lyrical heart of the song, and the line “bite that tattoo on your shoulder” stands out. Why a tattoo? Why the shoulder? And what’s the significance of the bite?
The shoulder is a common location for tattoos, often chosen for its visibility and the way it contours to the body. Shoulder tattoos can range from subtle and personal to large and expressive, holding various meanings depending on the design. In the context of the song, the “tattoo on your shoulder” adds a layer of intimacy and specificity. It’s not just any part of her, but a part that’s been deliberately adorned, marked, made personal.
The “bite” is where interpretations diverge. Literally, it’s an act of passion, a slightly aggressive, possessive gesture within a romantic encounter. Figuratively, a bite can symbolize many things:
- Passion and Intensity: A bite is a primal act, suggesting a raw, untamed desire. It elevates the physical intimacy beyond a simple kiss, adding an edge of excitement and perhaps even danger.
- Possession and Marking: In the same way a vampire’s bite marks their victim, this bite could be a symbolic act of claiming ownership, leaving a temporary mark of passion on her already permanent mark – the tattoo.
- Youthful Rebellion and Impulsivity: The whole verse is filled with elements of youthful recklessness – a Rover they can’t afford, stolen mattresses. The bite fits into this theme of impulsive, in-the-moment decisions driven by desire, without concern for consequences or social norms.
The line “We ain’t ever getting older” further reinforces the theme of youthful abandon and living in the moment. It’s about escaping the constraints of time and responsibility, clinging to the intensity of the present feeling. Combined with “bite that tattoo on your shoulder,” it paints a picture of a passionate, perhaps fleeting, encounter charged with youthful energy and a touch of rebellion.
“You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you, I was insane.”
The final lines circle back to the nostalgic and slightly self-destructive nature of the relationship. The narrator acknowledges their past mistake and is drawn back in by the enduring allure of their partner. The line emphasizes a timeless quality to their attraction, further linking to the “we ain’t ever getting older” sentiment.
While the original blog post humorously interpreted the “bite” as vampirism, a more nuanced reading suggests it’s a metaphor for intense passion, youthful impulsivity, and a desire to mark and be marked within a fleeting, yet powerful, romantic encounter. The “tattoo on your shoulder” becomes a focal point of this passion, a personal symbol intensified by the bite, within a song that captures the messy, complicated, and undeniably catchy nature of millennial romance.
And when I say my favorite song is “Closer,” I meant Nine Inch Nails’ version… just kidding (sort of).
