Meaning of Dissolve Me by Alt-J

Now dissolve me, two tabs on your tongue

Invoking a sense of dissolution through the consumption of hallucinogenic tabs.

A herd of shepherds to herd the sheep, sleep now my only one

Metaphorical imagery of shepherds guiding and protecting, urging the listener to sleep peacefully.

Broken sweethearts, who sleep apart

Reference to separated lovers who are heartbroken but choose to sleep apart.

Both still pine for the other's side spine, spoon as sleep starts

Description of a longing for physical closeness, emphasizing the yearning for the partner's presence during sleep.

And pulse to pulse, now shush

Transitioning to a focus on the synchronized heartbeat, urging silence.

She makes the sound, the sound the sea makes to calm me down

Introduction of a calming female presence, likened to the soothing sound of the sea.

I am see-through, soap sliver you're thin

Expressing transparency, vulnerability, and intimacy in the relationship.

As I begin rubbing lathers up your state worsens on my skin

Describing a tactile, intimate act that simultaneously worsens the emotional state.

And gold, fatless finger to lip, one two three four hush

Using gold and fatless fingers as metaphors for a delicate gesture, followed by a call for silence.

And pulse to pulse, now shush

Reiteration of the importance of silence and the synchronization of heartbeats.

She makes the sound, the sound the sea makes to calm me down

Reintroduction of the calming female presence with the sound of the sea.

She makes the sound, the sound the sea makes. I'm tired now

Acknowledgment of weariness and a desire for rest.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Repetition of the sound the sea makes, emphasizing its calming effect, possibly representing the cyclical nature of relationships.