Borderline

Track 3 on The Slow Rush (Limited Edition Vinyl)

Producer

This is a “reworked” version of Tame Impala’s April 2019 single “Borderline,” which was also the first single released for The Slow Rush. Kevin first revealed that he had… Read More

Feb. 14, 20204 viewers644.4K views

Borderline Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
How was I to know?
How was I to know this high came rushing?

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline
Dangerously fine and unforgiven
Possibly a sign
I'm gonna have the strangest night on Sunday

[Verse 2]
Here I go
Quite a show for a loner in L.A.
I wonder how I managed to end up in this place
Where I couldn't get away

[Chorus]
We're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train
Like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)

[Verse 3]
Gone a little far
Gone a little far this time with something
Rudi said it's fine
They used to do this all the time in college (If you and I get comfortable)

[Chorus]
And we're on the borderline (Ooh)
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Then I saw the time
Watched it speedin' by like a train

[Refrain]
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be known and loved?
Little closer, close enough
I'm a loser, loosen up
Setting free, must be tough
Will I be known and loved?
Is there one that I trust?
Starting to sober up
Has it been long enough?
Will I be so in love?
Any closer? Close enough
Shout out to what is done
R.I.P., here comes the sun
(Comes the sun)

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About

This is a “reworked” version of Tame Impala’s April 2019 single “Borderline,” which was also the first single released for The Slow Rush. Kevin first revealed that he had reworked the song in a December 18th, 2019 interview with BBC 1 Radio’s Annie Mac, stating:

However, as of February 14th, [2020]… as of that day, [the single] version will forever be known as the old “Borderline.”

Compared to the single version:

The background vocal at the beginning is removed
A different snare is used
The vocals are clearer, possibly from a stereo-shaper
A Moog Bass Synth is used, highlighting the bass
Before Verse 2, a laser synth and snares are added
During Verse 2, acoustic strings are added
The second line in Verse 2 is spoken faster
In Verse 2, ‘'asking how I managed’‘ is changed to ’‘I wonder how I managed’'
In Verse 2, ‘'get away’‘ is spoken differently
Before the first refrain, the volume is decreased and a short reversed sample is washed out with reverb, allowing the refrain to stand out more
Synths are added to the background of every fourth line in the second half of the first refrain
A background line is added at the end of Verse 3
Background vocals are added to the third chorus

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Translations

What did Tame Impala say about "Borderline"?

Verified Commentary

Kevin Parker

via Apple Music

Standing at the edge of a strange new world. Any further and I won’t know the way back. The only way to see it is to be in it. I long to be immersed. Unaware and uncontrolled.

What else has he said about the song?