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The Dragonfly Lyrics
Could've been a swan on a glassy lake.
Could've been a gull in a clipper's wake.
Could've been a ladybug on a windchime,
But she was born a dragonfly.
In the sun she warmed her wings
And listened to cicadas sing.
"The trees are all bending
In one direction
Because of something"
Cross-pollination by the legs of bees in spring
Is a beautiful thing.
Oh when the sun goes down,
The fireflies come out.
In a pond crept a slimy thing
That hummed a theme from the Rites of Spring.
Pity the mate of Queen Mantis,
So content, but so headless.
Katy did nothing but shiver and cry,
As did the dragonfly.
In the shade the gypsies spin
Among the cloves, they drop their skin.
"beyond the hedgegrove,
Over by the willows,
Deep in the shadows"
Regeneration occurs at a furious speed
Beneath the white oak tree.
And when the sun comes up
Moon buds fold up.
In the sun she warmed her wings
And listened to the Rites of Spring
Could've been a swan on a glassy lake.
Could've been a gull in a clipper's wake.
Could've been a ladybug on a windchime,
But she was born a dragonfly.
"ain't ever seen it, but I have heard it.
Sounds like the millstones when they are turning,
But every moment getting louder and louder,
And then there is silence,
And the smell of flowers."
i think this is just a realy trippy explanation of a pond around springtime.
I don't think this song is about anything more than how nature is simultaneously beautiful and f*cked up. For the most part, Neil tends to be pretty straight forward with his writing. Not saying he hasn't written some really deep stuff (See "Basket of Eggs"), but this doesn't feel like something that's deeper than: "This is how nature looks, it's pretty bad-ass right?"
This is also the primary reason that I love this song!
A quote from a Songfacts interview with Neil Fallon when asked about this song:
A quote from a Songfacts interview with Neil Fallon when asked about this song:
"Written at the same period of time, and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I'd moved from a very homogenized suburban setting into a very rural setting. I found it quite magical in places, and was intrigued by sort of the occult magic that happens in nature. That's the genesis of those lyrics"
"Written at the same period of time, and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I'd moved from a very homogenized suburban setting into a very rural setting. I found it quite magical in places, and was intrigued by sort of the occult magic that happens in nature. That's the genesis of those lyrics"
i think this is one of the best clutch songs
although i don't know what it really means. maybe its implying that a dragonfly is a rebellious insect.
Blue dragonfly is an internet haven for anorexics.
"Katy did nothing but shiver and cry, As did the dragonfly. "
I listened to this song on acid in the car with my friend when we were driving out on some country roads when all the fire flies were out...it was fucking incredible..my favorite clutch song.
@Cassia
A "katydid" is a type of insect. If you look at one on a branch, or in your hand, it shivers. It also makes a squeaking cry. I'm willing to bet the song has nothing to do with anorexics.
The Rite of Spring is a ballet song by Stravinsky. I can't remember it exactly, but its something along the lines of primitive tribal sacrifice ritual of girl(s) to the God of Spring.
It may just be me but there are lots of sexual innuendo that portray the pond as a kind of primal mating ground.
Have to agree with the comments regarding Neil's appreciation of nature.
Sometimes lyrics are that simple. However, the beauty of art (any form) is that it is open to everyone's own interpretation. Your experiences, life, education etc. will all alter your interpretation, and in the end I suppose an artist just hopes you enjoy their work ... and take from it what you will.
Great song, love the interlude too.
I think the interjected lines are from the dragonfly's perspective. The trees bending suggests a powerful wind coming through, but the sound of millstones getting louder could be either a storm or a herd of hoofed animals. Either would leave the smell of flowers behind because they open up to the sun after being watered, or their aroma is spread by being trampled out of them.