I'm listening to "Save yourself" from Birdy. She says: "Look at what we have become, empty hearts that spare no one" What does "spare no one" mean? I've searched in dictionary but I haven't find anything.
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The first five senses of the verb as defined by Merriam-Webster all apply.– Jason BassfordCommented Apr 11, 2019 at 18:04
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It is always hard to interpret verse or song, where brevity is often valued over clarity, metaphor and other figures of speech are common. and meaning may be distorted for the sake of rhythm or rhyme.
That said, I take this to mean that "spare" (a verb here) is used in the sense of "show mercy to" or "refrain from attacking" or "refrain from harming or destroying" and so over all, the line says that "we" have become emotionless or uncaring or loveless beings who attack or destroy everyone around them. "empty hearts" is a metaphor, using the heart to stand for the seat of emotion or caring or perhaps love, and saying that "we" lack those qualities.
answered Apr 12, 2019 at 2:13
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How did you know that it has this meaning?? Have you heard it before or you just guessed it should mean something like this Commented Apr 12, 2019 at 11:27
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@K47 The phrase "spare no one" is not uncommon in literary usage, and generally has the meaning I have described. I have encountered the phrase many times. When I wrote "I take this to mean" I am indicating that this is my conclusion from the words quoted. I do not know this particular song or verse. Commented Apr 12, 2019 at 14:26