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Portishead – Western Eyes Lyrics 17 years ago
I always wondered where the phrase "western eyes" came from. I was in Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road when in the corner of my eyes I saw a book called "Under Western Eyes" by Joseph Conrad. I purchased it and gave up 1/3 of the way through as I found it a tough read. The song does, however, reflect perfectly the noirish mood of the book.

Wikipedia describes the book as
"Full of cynicism and conflict about the historical failures of revolutionary movements and ideals. ....the irrationality of life, and the unfairness with which suffering is inflicted upon the innocent and poor and the careless disregard for fellow life with whom we share existence.

Says it all in my opinion.

submissions
Portishead – Deep Water Lyrics 17 years ago
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AI8NuFAETMQ


As per ANARCHITECT (above)

Some shocking similarities!

submissions
Portishead – The Rip Lyrics 17 years ago
BACKGROUND

This alblum came out at the end of April 2008 as I was slowly uncovering the fact that my gf of 4.5 years was cheating on me. Wehad plans to marry, have children and have a hapy life together.

This album and particularly this song basically played on loop while I commuted on the tube to and from work and went home, didn't eat and just lied on my bed crying for 4 months.

It's unbearably painful to listen to especiall considering it's my favourite ever song(!)



MY INTERPRETATION (based on the above)

VERSE 1
***As she walks in the room
Scented and tall
Hesitating once more***

She is bracing herself for more pain, revelations and putting on a brave face or even a NYLON SMILE having to interact with other people or even the person cheating on her.

***And as I take on myself
And the bitterness I felt
I realise that love flows***

She is wrestling with her own mind/failures and ability to cope with the situation and the pain of being cheated on and the awful feelings of anger/revenge/injustice that are naturally felt.
However, she is still unequivocally in love with that person.

VERSE 2
***Wild, white horses
They will take me away
And the tenderness I feel
Will send the dark underneath***


I always felt the horses brought about an image of being rescued by a 'chariot of freedom'. White being a symbol peace and purity and therefore the 'white horses' recueing her from the darkness/unhappiness/torment of spirit and mind she is experiencing.
Others on here have said the 'horses' and 'rip' reffer to the sea. I like that analogy and it fits in well with my interpretation. The sea could be her means of escape, be it travel or a symbol of the sense of freedom the sea involkes.


***Will I follow?***
Torment/pain/depression/sadness/disapointment/betrayal is unbeleivable difficult to get over even if we want to and try to.
It's a matter of hoping to be freed from such feelings by time/mental strength/healing etc
Will I follow - sugguests a hope but not certainty she can get over it.


VERSE3
***Through the glory of life
I will scatter on the floor
Disappointed and sore
And in my thoughts I have bled
For the riddles I've been fed
Another lie moves over***

Life is full of wonder and awe - how great the world is and the opportunities and beauty it offers.
However, this is bittersweet when going through such pain of betrayal.
The memories of betrayal and lies are still fresh in her mind and she is acknowledging the juxtaposition between the beauty of life and the pain which coexist.



AN OUTSTANDING SONG.

submissions
Portishead – Cowboys Lyrics 17 years ago
Could apply to the financial Fat Cats...
Money lost/decieved by swindles etc

submissions
Björk – One Day Lyrics 17 years ago
I agree with Missme.

To me this song is all about waiting for the "One". They say it happens when you least expect it, when you're confident, your happy and not actively looking.

For me it's a beautiful song about hope.

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