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The Whole Is Wide Lyrics

Flowers died a long
time ago my friend
and they're hanging on the wall
with wax and thread

When you were young
did you think it would ever end?
When you were young
did you think it would ever end?

Sylvia was a girl
that I knew best
and she wore the finest
eyelid dress
and she sits in her room
painting golden moons
and she sits in her room
painting golden runes

Oh, what am I to do
without a man to see me through?
Oh, what am I to do
without a man to see me through?
I'm more than blue
I'm violet

Lyla met a man
that she loved best
and he died in a fiery crash.

And the hole is wide
the hole is wide
the hole is wide

And the hole is wide
the hole is wide
the hole is wide

Oh, what am I to do
without a man to see me through?
Oh, what am I to do
without a man to see me through?
I'm more than blue
I'm violet

Sylvia was a girl that I knew best
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Cover art for The Whole Is Wide lyrics by Marissa Nadler

Marissa's honey voice is showcased especially well on this song, layered richly while accompanied by a simple piano chord progression - and with a voice like hers that's all that's needed.

Lyrically it's about loss and longing.

This is one of my favorite songs from the new cd.

Cover art for The Whole Is Wide lyrics by Marissa Nadler

I saw her play this the other day. There was no piano player so it was a re-worked version with band accompaniment, slowed down a touch. It was nice that way although - how can I say it delicately? - the guitarist probably isn't the best choice for the harmonies. OTOH, as my friend pointed out, how many people would sound good next to her?

She opted not to go for some of the highest notes but still went for some of them and made it look as effortless as most people speak. I paid special attention to the "moon, rune" bit to double check it but couldn't tell any difference so I'm leaving it as is.

Cover art for The Whole Is Wide lyrics by Marissa Nadler

My above comment came out far more negative and snarky than I intended. The guitarist is a fine guitarist and he has a fine voice. The band overall was an excellent accompaniment to her without being overwhelming in any way. Her performance was enthralling.

 
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