Grimes' song "REALiTi" explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics reflect on the past, specifically a time when the protagonist and their loved one were young and lived in close proximity to something beautiful and terrifying. The opening lines suggest that in their younger years, the protagonist and their loved one were both scared and beautiful. They recall a moment where they looked over the edge and encountered death, possibly symbolizing a profound realization or a loss of innocence. The following lines express the belief that life will never be the same again, emphasizing the transformative power of love and its ability to both keep them alive and drive them towards madness. The pre-chorus acknowledges that there were moments when everything seemed okay and the music played, alluding to moments of happiness and joy. However, there is a sense of loneliness and longing as the protagonist admits they often go back to those moments alone, questioning where their loved one is now. The chorus reinforces the idea of the constant challenges they face in life. Every morning brings new mountains to climb, consuming their time and energy. The phrase "Welcome to reality" serves as a reminder of the harshness and complexities of the real world. In the second verse, the nostalgia continues as the protagonist reflects on their youth and their fear of experiencing beauty. The repetition of the line about peering over the edge and encountering death suggests a haunting memory that has stayed with them. The pre-chorus once again highlights the moments of temporary relief and happiness, but the question of where their loved one is remains unanswered. The outro repeats the plea for a sign from the loved one, emphasizing the desire for connection and understanding. The repetition of "Oh, baby, every" followed by "Give me a sign" signifies the protagonist's longing for reassurance and guidance. Overall, "REALiTi" captures the sentiment of looking back on the past, experiencing both the joy and pain that comes with growth, and longing for a sense of familiarity and connection in an often-challenging reality.
