Shiver

The song explores themes of pain and vulnerability. Hazlett reflects on the complexity of emotions we all face, especially when dealing with love and loss. There's a sense of searching for comfort but also a realization that sometimes, things don't work out the way we hope. The lyrics carry a weight of nostalgia, emphasizing how we can feel both connected and isolated at the same time.

Verse 1

Heaven knows I love to hate
Myself more on certain days
Fractured bone is bound to break
Talk too much you stay the same

In this opening verse, Hazlett sets the stage for his inner conflict. He admits to a love-hate relationship with himself, hinting at deep-seated insecurities. The mention of a "fractured bone" suggests that pain is inevitable, and talking too much might mean getting stuck in the same patterns. It’s a raw and honest look at how we often feel trapped in our thoughts and behaviors.

Chorus

It's a long way back
A short way home
I had a dream then it left me alone
I felt a shiver then it withered away
It's a long mistake
You never made
I love my bed then they took it away
I felt a shiver and that's all that it takes

The chorus captures the essence of longing and loss. The contrast between “a long way back” and “a short way home” speaks to the difficulty of returning to a place of happiness. The dream that left him alone suggests disappointment, and the "shiver" symbolizes fleeting moments of clarity or connection that quickly fade. The line about loving his bed but having it taken away resonates with feelings of comfort being disrupted, adding to the sense of helplessness.

Verse 2

Bet my dog knows what to say
He passed while I was away
Kiss me right before you go
We get high to numb the low

In this verse, Hazlett introduces a personal touch with the mention of his dog. It indicates loss and the way pets often understand us better than people. The desire for a last kiss highlights the urgency of connection before it’s too late. The mention of getting high to numb the pain reflects how people often turn to temporary escapes when dealing with deeper issues.

Chorus

It's a long way back
A short way home
I had a dream then it left me alone
I felt a shiver then it withered away
It's a long mistake
You never made
I love my bed then they took it away
I felt a shiver and that's all that it takes

Repeating the chorus reinforces the song's core themes of longing and regret. Each time it plays, it deepens the feeling of isolation and the struggle to find solace. The repetition emphasizes how these feelings come back, echoing in his mind, making it hard to move on.

Bridge

Uuuh Uuuh Uuuuh

The bridge, while simple, acts like a moment of pause. It’s almost like a breath in the song, allowing the listener to sit with the emotions being expressed. It creates a space for reflection, adding to the overall somber tone.

Outro

It's a long way back
A short way home
I had a dream then it left me alone
I felt a shiver then it withered away
I felt a shiver and that's all that it takes

In the outro, Hazlett circles back to the themes established earlier. It feels like a resolution, though not necessarily a happy one. The repetition of the "shiver" signifies that these feelings are still present and haven't fully dissipated. It leaves us with a lingering sense of unresolved emotions, a reminder that healing isn’t always straightforward.

Closing Thoughts

"Shiver" by Hazlett is a poignant exploration of the struggle with self-worth and the impact of loss. The lyrics pull you into a world of raw emotions, making it relatable for anyone who's faced similar feelings. It’s a beautiful yet haunting reminder of the complexities of human experience, and how moments of joy can slip away just like that.