Song For The Siren Lyrics

Decoding the Allure: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics of "Song for the Siren" by This Mortal Coil

This Mortal Coil's "Song for the Siren" isn't just a song; it's a hypnotic journey into the depths of longing, loss, and the seductive power of the unknown. This ethereal piece, featuring Elizabeth Fraser's hauntingly beautiful vocals, has captivated listeners for decades. Its enigmatic lyrics, however, often leave listeners yearning for a deeper understanding. This article will delve into the intricate tapestry of "Song for the Siren's" lyrics, exploring their potential meanings, the underlying symbolism, and the emotional impact they create. We will unravel the layers of meaning, examining the themes of siren mythology, romantic obsession, and the elusive nature of memory and desire.

Understanding the Siren's Call: Mythological Underpinnings

The song's title immediately points towards classical mythology. Sirens, in Greek mythology, were creatures with enchanting voices that lured sailors to their deaths on treacherous rocks. This image of irresistible temptation and tragic consequence is central to the song's thematic core. However, "Song for the Siren" doesn't simply retell the classic myth. It reimagines it, exploring the siren's perspective, her longing, and the complexities of her power. The lyrics don't paint her as a purely villainous figure but rather as a complex being driven by forces beyond her control.

Dissecting the Lyrics: A Verse-by-Verse Exploration

Let's break down the lyrics verse by verse, exploring the nuances and potential interpretations:

Verse 1:

“You came to me in the pale moonlight, Wearing a cloak of woven starlight, And with a kiss, you stole my sight, Leaving me breathless in the night.”

This opening immediately sets a romantic, albeit slightly ominous, tone. The "pale moonlight" and "woven starlight" create a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere. The "kiss" that steals her sight suggests a loss of innocence or perhaps a surrender to an overwhelming force. The breathlessness indicates a potent, almost overpowering emotional experience. It’s not just a physical kiss, but a surrender to the siren's allure.

Verse 2:

“Your voice, a whisper in the breeze, Carried me out to the restless seas, On a raft of promises and pleas, A journey into mysteries.”

Here, the siren's voice takes center stage. It's not a forceful command but a gentle, persuasive whisper that carries the listener – or the narrator – out to "restless seas." This evokes a sense of danger and uncertainty, hinting at the perilous nature of the siren's influence. The "raft of promises and pleas" highlights the deceptive nature of temptation, the allure of promises that may ultimately lead to destruction.

Chorus:

“Song for the siren, a song of sorrow, A song of longing, a song of tomorrow, A song for the lost, the found, the borrowed, A song for the sea, forever shadowed.”

The chorus provides a summary of the emotional landscape of the song. The "song of sorrow" speaks to the tragic consequences of the siren's allure, the pain of loss and unrequited longing. "A song of tomorrow" suggests a hope for the future, perhaps a redemption or a release from the cycle of pain. The references to "lost," "found," and "borrowed" emphasize the ambiguous nature of the siren's influence, the complexities of her power over others. The final line, "a song for the sea, forever shadowed," ties the song back to the mythical imagery of the sea as a place of danger and mystery.

Verse 3:

“Across the waves, your face appears, A fleeting glimpse, dissolving tears, A phantom touch, dispelling fears, A whisper of hope, calming my ears.”

This verse focuses on the ephemeral nature of the siren's presence. Her face appears and disappears like a fleeting vision. This emphasizes the elusive quality of desire and the transient nature of hope. The "phantom touch" and "whisper of hope" suggest moments of comfort and solace amid the overall sense of loss and uncertainty. The siren's power is both destructive and strangely comforting.

Verse 4:

“But as the dawn begins to break, The spell is broken, I awake, To find you gone, a silent wake, My heart in pieces, left to break.”

The dawn signifies the end of the dreamlike state, the fading of the siren's enchantment. The narrator awakens to the reality of loss, the emptiness left behind by the siren's departure. The "silent wake" is particularly poignant, emphasizing the absence and the lack of closure. The final line expresses the raw pain and heartbreak of being abandoned.

Chorus:

(Repeated)

The repetition of the chorus underscores the cyclical nature of the themes. The sorrow, longing, and hope remain, even after the spell is broken. The cyclical nature of the song mirrors the cyclical nature of loss and longing.

Outro:

“Song for the siren, fading slowly, A memory echoes, softly, holy…”

The outro provides a sense of closure, although it's a melancholic one. The "fading slowly" suggests the fading of memory and the lessening of the pain, yet the "memory echoes, softly, holy," implies the enduring power of the experience, even if bittersweet. The "holy" suggests a sacred quality to this painful, yet significant memory.

Symbolism and Interpretation: Unveiling Deeper Meanings

The lyrics of "Song for the Siren" are rich in symbolism. The "pale moonlight" and "woven starlight" can represent the ethereal, dreamlike quality of the experience, the almost supernatural nature of the siren's allure. The "restless seas" symbolize the turbulent emotions and unpredictable nature of desire. The "raft of promises and pleas" is symbolic of the fragility of hope and the deceptive nature of temptation.

The siren herself can be seen as a symbol of the elusive nature of love, the unattainable object of desire. She represents both the intoxicating power of romance and the pain of loss and unrequited love. The song could also be interpreted as an allegory for addiction, where the siren's voice represents the allure of a destructive habit, and the narrator’s experience reflects the cycle of relapse and recovery.

The Power of Elizabeth Fraser's Vocals

It's impossible to discuss "Song for the Siren" without acknowledging the crucial role of Elizabeth Fraser's vocals. Her voice is otherworldly, ethereal, and perfectly complements the song's melancholic and mystical atmosphere. Her delivery enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics, conveying both the intoxicating allure of the siren and the pain of loss and longing with breathtaking precision. Her vocal style truly elevates the song from a collection of words to a deeply moving emotional experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the meaning of the title "Song for the Siren"? The title directly references the mythological figure of the siren and suggests that the song is a lament or tribute to this seductive and dangerous creature. It also hints at the song's focus on themes of allure, loss, and the complexities of desire.

• Is the siren a villain in the song? The song doesn't portray the siren as a purely villainous figure. While her influence is destructive, the lyrics also explore her vulnerability and potential longing. She's more of a complex, multifaceted character than a simple antagonist.

• What is the overall message of the song? The song explores the complexities of love, loss, and desire. It suggests that even the most intoxicating experiences can lead to profound pain, but the memory of those experiences, even painful ones, can hold a strange sort of sacredness.

• What genre is "Song for the Siren"? The song blends elements of various genres, including dream pop, gothic rock, and ethereal wave, resulting in a unique and haunting sonic landscape.

Conclusion: An Enduring Masterpiece

"Song for the Siren" is more than just a song; it's a profound artistic statement that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Its evocative lyrics, coupled with Elizabeth Fraser's mesmerizing vocals, create a listening experience that is both captivating and emotionally resonant. By exploring the complexities of the siren myth and the human experience of love, loss, and longing, This Mortal Coil has created a timeless masterpiece that invites repeated listens and endless interpretation. The beauty lies not just in deciphering its meaning, but in the emotional journey it takes you on. The song lingers in the mind long after it finishes playing, a testament to its lasting power and enduring appeal. Its enigmatic nature ensures that it will continue to fascinate and inspire discussion for years to come.