Boards on the window
Mail by the door
What would anybody leave so quickly for?
Ophelia
Hmm, where have you gone?

The old neighborhood
Just ain't the same
Nobody knows just what became of
Ophelia
Hmm, tell me, what went wrong

Was it something that somebody said?
Mama, I know we broke the rules
Was somebody up against the law?
Honey, you know I'd die for you

Ashes of laughter
The ghost is clear
Why do the best things always disappear
Like Ophelia
Please darken my door

Was it something that somebody said?
Honey, you know we broke the rules
Was somebody up against the law?
Honey, you know I'd die for you

They got your number
Scared and running
But I'm still waiting for the second coming
Of Ophelia
Hmm hm come back home
Hmm hmm


Lyrics submitted by Korno, edited by Poisonouss

Ophelia Lyrics as written by Robbie Robertson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Ophelia song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

22 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    Don't be offended bradburyesqu; you have to admit that at 27 you're an exception to the rule. In any case, I'm glad you've discovered real rock 'n roll. By the way, I never mentioned Ophelia's skin colour; I didn't think it was relevant to the song. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; pick a colour. You're idea that she must be black, and that therefore a law was broken, doesn't quite ring any bells (belles?) with me! The name "Ophelia" is perhaps more common among whites than blacks (read Hamlet). And the common phrase "darken my door" has always applied to anyone, not just people with dark skin. Besides, if it's a song about the old south's racial repression, then what's a single black female doing owning her own property in the first place? No, I think Ophelia is simply a mysterious woman whose overt beauty gets her into all kinds of trouble and intrigue. A touch of Gypsy blood perhaps! The important thing is that we both love the tune.

    RayManon June 05, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.