Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Curling” by Speedy Ortiz
“Curling” by Speedy Ortiz is an indie rock song about self-doubt, insecurity, and learning to embrace one’s own unique strengths and experiences. The lyrics capture the complexity and intensity of battling inner self-doubt and insecurity, as lead singer Sadie Dupuis sings, “Ain’t no shoulder for me to lean on/I steep in the wars I started brewing for me/Myself and I are enemies.”
Throughout the song, Dupuis expresses the idea that even in moments where one feels the weakest, they have the strength to pick themselves up and find comfort in who they are. She speaks to the idea of resilience when she sings, “And I don’t care what they think/No one can take me out/I curled up on the cold floor/I learned to stand and walk alone/I grew calluses on my arms/I learned to shape my own stone.” By using the visual of curling – a game in which players slide stones outward and then sweep it back in – Dupuis implies that although we are often buffeted by the wave of life, ultimately we are in control of our own destiny. Through it all, Dupuis remains resilient and in time, learns to have faith in herself and her own power.
The chorus of the song serves as the call to arms, as Dupuis passionately belts out, “I can hold my own/Hope to be the stone/ I got to reign in control/Curling here on my own.” Here, Dupuis is celebrating the idea of taking control of her life rather than ceding power to external forces. The song and the sonic landscape imbue a sense of hope, of resilience, and of regaining control over one’s life, no matter how challenging the journey may be. Ultimately, “Curling” celebrates the power of self-love and self-determination, two values that are fundamental to overcoming moments where we feel the weakest.