| Sea Wolf – Winter's Heir Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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I always thought it was interesting that it was "Winter's Heir," because listening to it, "Winter's Air" seemed to make more sense. In fact, I didn't think otherwise until I saw it written. However, the distinction is important to the meaning of the song, and it brings the album full circle. The whole album has been focused on winter. (I'm arguing that "The Orchard" is, chronologically, the first song in the timeline, occurring in late fall) He has experienced a break up, and possibly his ex had an affair for which he has also blamed himself ("Wicked Blood" , "O Maria!", "The Traitor"). In short, it has been a "long cold year" for him in more ways than one. But the "thaw" of spring is "winter's heir." That is, he couldn't have gotten to where he is now without having experienced rock bottom. He had to go through this trial to reach the point of understanding he has now reached. And now he has his raven-haired beauty back, so everything's peachy. I also like how he mentions the cathedral bells, whereas in the first song on the album he talks about the church light. Probably some significance to that, but I'm not going to attempt... |
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| Sea Wolf – The Orchard Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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I agree with invisispider, there is that loss of innocence present here, but there is also the sense of acceptance of not knowing what's ahead. The "blackness" and the allusion to the constellations (possibly connecting back to Orion and his fate) give the impression that the narrator is not sheltered anymore, and even though fall is fading into winter, there is the comfort of knowing that someone is plunging through the darkness with him, not knowing what will happen ("not afraid of all that space...everything I need is written on your face"). The simplicity of the phrases evoke a quiet warmth ("wood smoke," "naked little trees," "a ladder that leaned against the hay") and the instrumentation, with the delicate guitar part, adds to this image. There's no sense of urgency, just the wish to take life as it comes. Lovely tune. |
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| Sea Wolf – Turn the Dirt Over Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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I agree with the other two comments, but the great thing about Alex's songs is that their interpretations can extend to a more general feeling that everyone experiences. This song speaks about being haunted by death and regret, and specifically how to overcome grief and regret. To "turn a new leaf" so to speak. He is seeing the "summer-flame" in a dark time in his life, which I think winter for him embodies. He is nostalgic for the person running through the grass, whoever it may be (apparently his brother, who had died). The whole album, to me, is his catharsis. Yet, he advises ones struggling to "see the moonlight on the snow." What a lovely song. The nature themes are woven so beautifully throughout the album, and the strings complement them so perfectly. If you can't tell already, I'm in love with Sea Wolf. |
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| Sea Wolf – Wicked Blood Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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I've listened to this song and the album a lot, and many of the songs are connected. I believe he might be referring to the same woman as in O Maria! The imagery definitely reflects the passionate, but quickly extinguished, love that the narrator experienced with a sophisticated high society woman. Especially the description of the chandeliers and the "Persian's dust"- you can tell she has a lot of money but does not really use it or appreciate it. Even with all her wealth, she is alone in enjoying it. The woman is "shimmery" and a "vision of veils." She's ephemeral, but dark and mysterious. The gem imagery ("dark sapphire blood"; “heartbeat flows in crystal waterfalls”) reflects his infatuation with her charms, but also gives the impression that while she seems dreamlike and inviting, she is actually a cold person inside. Church really juxtaposes the light and dark imagery to show this (especially with the sails in front of the dark sky). He also understands that the love was really doomed from the start - "ember in the rafters" but unfortunately, she had him wrapped around her little finger until she was through with him. I really love the lyric "wicked blood and your curls." It's not wordy, but it gives me a clear idea of the kind of girl he was in love with, but who ultimately crushed him. I think it's also interesting that there are two women in the album, one with silver/light hair and one with raven hair, opposite. I might be reading too much into it, but the silver hair portrays a glitzy woman, but one who is superficial. Raven hair is deep, it has substance. It may not be flashy, but it is true. All in all, this is a fantastic song that sets up the exploration into this failed relationship... which occurs in O Maria! and several other songs on the album. |
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