Grimes recently released a new song called Player of Games, that sounds both digital and futuristic, as well as reminds people of 00’s trance. But what’s the meaning behind it? Here’s my interpretation.
For those who haven’t heard it, here’s the music video with lyrics.
Similar: What is the Meaning Behind “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran
Lyrics to “Player of Games” by “Grimes”
Baby
Would you still love me
Out on Europa
Or will you forget?
Baby
How can I compare
To the adventure out there?Sail away
To the cold expanse of space
Even love
Couldn’t keep you in your place
Why can’t you love me
Like that?
Why can’t you need me
Like that?If I loved him any less
I’d make him stay
But he has to be the best
Player of games
If I loved him any less
I’d make him stay
Player of games
Player of gamesPlayer of games
Player of games
Player of gamеs
Player of gamesI’m in love
With thе greatest gamer
But he’ll always love the game
More than he loves meSail away
To the cold expanse of space
Even love
Couldn’t keep you in your place
Can’t you love me like that?
Can’t you need me like that?If I loved him any less
I’d make him stay
But he has to be the best
Player of games
If I loved him any less
I’d make him stay
Player of games
Player of gamesPlayer of games
Musixmatch
Player of games
Player of games
Player of games
Meaning
Some relevant background information on Grimes:
Grimes was up until recently together with Elon Musk, an entrepreneur (CEO of Tesla) who is also a huge space-enthusiast. He is currently one of the biggest proponents of space traveling and seems obsessed with his dreams of reaching Mars and bringing humankind to space. In earlier interviews, it seems clear that he works extremely much to achieve his visions, although he at the same time do seem to value long-term relationships and love. They also recently had a son together.
I think, based on these happenings in her life, this song is about her relationship with Elon Musk and why it ended.
When she sings “How can I compare, to the adventures out there”, and “Sail away to the cold expanse of space, even love couldn’t keep you in your place”, I think it’s pretty clear that she’s talking about how Elon Musk is so invested in his space-adventures that nothing could keep him back. Not even Grimes or their love. This becomes extra clear when she sings “But he’ll always love the game more than he loves me”.
In addition, she sings “Out on Europa”, which probably refers to the Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. Because during 2021, NASA selected Space X (Elon Musk’s company) to launch a journey towards The Europa. I don’t think it could be any clearer.
I also think it’s beautiful how she sings “If I loved him any less, I’d make him stay”. I interpret this as her way of saying that she truly loves him and she doesn’t want to restrict him, or try to hold on to him and make him prioritize her before his space adventures. Because doing so would take away from who he is, and take away from his passions. And because she truly loves him, she’s letting him go so that he can keep playing his games.
Music Video Meaning
In the Player of Games music video embedded above, you can see Grimes holding onto a fully armored knight. But she’s also naked and is holding a big blade behind her back.
One way of interpreting this is that while she’s entrusting him (the Knight, or Elon Musk), she’s still strong in herself and ready to stand up for herself if needed. So she isn’t helpless, and she won’t be helpless even when/if they separate, although she is vulnerable with him.
Some people in the YouTube comments seem to think that she’s holding the knife to protect herself from him. But I don’t think so.
In addition, an interesting comment mentioned how the full armor may represent how Elon Musk isn’t fully vulnerable or open with her. And he’s always in character, playing his game (space adventures), and occupied with it. While, she is there, being fully vulnerable, but unable to fully reach him through is armor. And the strong knight in full armor wouldn’t really need or be dependent on the girl, which can be linked the the part where she sings “Why can’t you need me like that?”.
Obviously, these are just my interpretations! But regardless of the true meaning of the song, I really enjoyed it. I think it sounds like a good club/dance song, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous. I understand why people call her music and style ethereal.
