Tangerine Rays Lyrics – Zedd feat. Bea Miller, Ellis

[Verse 1: Bea Miller]
In the first verse, Bea Miller sings about a "sweet innocent child" who is asleep, representing a state of vulnerability and peace. The "starless retreat" suggests a dark and empty place, devoid of hope or dreams. The singer reflects on her past, where she was unsure of what to believe, with each dream tainted by bad memories. The "darkening breed" symbolizes the growing negativity and fear that prey on her optimism, even as she clings to the hope symbolized by the "angels still breathing." The "silent touch" implies a sense of comfort and protection, though it is fragile and barely perceptible.

[Pre-Chorus: Bea Miller]
In the pre-chorus, the singer describes a "vision tangled in faith," representing the struggle to maintain belief in something good amidst suffering. The "pain" and "fire unraveling" suggest a powerful emotional upheaval, where waiting feels like torture. The imagery of fire implies destruction, yet also the potential for rebirth, highlighting the dual nature of her emotions.

[Chorus: Bea Miller & Ellis]
The chorus reveals the singer's desperate plea to be "turned around" and "brought down," indicating a desire to return to a time before everything became so complicated and painful. The singer yearns for a fresh start, to go back to the "beginning" when things were simpler and happier. The repetition of needing to be taken back to the beginning emphasizes the depth of her longing for resolution and peace.

[Verse 2: Bea Miller]
In the second verse, the imagery of the "sweet innocent child at peace" reappears, but now the child is greeted in the "dawn of a million streets," representing the overwhelming complexity and chaos of life. The "familiar greeting" might be a memory or a feeling that triggers a sequence of dangerous thoughts or events. The "tangerine rays" are now frozen, symbolizing moments of happiness that have been trapped in time, inaccessible due to the overwhelming grief that follows. The "silent touch" reappears, highlighting the lingering, but faint, sense of comfort amidst the pain.

[Pre-Chorus: Bea Miller]
The second pre-chorus introduces the idea of a "chemical plant in the brain," suggesting that the singer's emotional turmoil may be influenced by internal, perhaps biochemical, factors. The pain remains, and the singer wishes it were "made in a way" that could be understood or controlled, underscoring the frustration of dealing with emotions that feel uncontrollable.

[Chorus: Bea Miller & Ellis]
The chorus repeats, reinforcing the singer's plea to be taken back to the beginning. The addition of "I miss the waves of tangerine rays" adds a layer of nostalgia, emphasizing how much the singer longs for the warmth and comfort of happier times. The repetition of needing to return to the beginning drives home the singer's desire to escape the pain and confusion that has overtaken her life.

[Outro: Bea Miller]
The outro ends on a subdued note, with the singer quietly reflecting on everything that has transpired. The simple "Oh, mmm" suggests a resignation or acceptance of the situation, perhaps acknowledging that the past cannot be reclaimed, but the memories will continue to linger.