Seal My Fate

My InterpretationTo me, the song is about unplanned pregnancy, and the life-changing choices that are presented to a girl/woman who finds herself in this situation. I think there is a dual point of view, both from the mother-to-be and the unborn baby. All options (keep the baby, terminate the pregnancy, give the baby up for adoption) are explored in the lyrics. The title, "Seal My Fate" has multiple meanings, and could be from the point of view of the mother (if the mom keeps the baby, her life is dramatically changed). If she terminates the pregnancy or gives it up for adoption, "Seal My Fate" would then be from the baby's point of view. "Untame my brain" - I believe this can be from the pregnant girl's point of view, she has a monumental decision to make and its stressing her out! The baby's point of view seems clear in the lyrics "Give me a name". In my mind, I hear the mom singing "untame my brain" and the unborn baby singing "give me a name". I hear the mother's angst with respect to the choice she has to make in "hear my faith", like she's praying for guidance and the reference to the abortion option seems obvious ("unholy and dirty words that gather to me"). I hear more angst with the "thinking the point was keep what mine for me" - which could mean keeping a life she planned that didn't include having a baby vs. raising a child at this time in her life; it also refers to the choice between having and keeping the baby vs. giving it up for adoption. I think Donelly refers to the boy/man's role when she sings "While he's laughing" - the unplanned pregnancy's impact on the potential father doesn't even register when compared to how she is feeling and the future impact on the girl's / baby's life. I think the end of the song is about the adoption choice, sung from the point of the mother who gave the baby up for adoption rather than raising it herself. The mother, years later, is reflecting on how the child that she gave up is doing - she hope's the choice she made has resulted in the child being happy. "You say you saw him laughing, I hope it's true". "I'd like to see it happen", perhaps this means she's like to meet the child at some point in their lives. "Cause I can feel it, I hope it's true", maybe this refer's to the natural bond that exists between a mother and her child.

Then again, what do I know? This is what I think about when I hear this song.

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General CommentPeople thinking this is an anti-abortion song know very little about Tanya Donelly

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General CommentI like that, smollett! Hadn't thought if that way but I like it.

Another possibility is that it's about religion and letting go of that (thinking the point was...) - the way religion force rules and morals on you in a way. Thinking she had to be punished for being sinful (not in a very literal way though).

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General CommentI always thought this song was about a failed relationship. "and when you breathe, you breathe for two" is about feeling incredibly close to someone. "If you think you've finally found the perfect light, I hope it's true" is about loving the person so much you hope they are happy, even though you are no longer together. That was my interpretation of it, anyway.

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General CommentMichaelo got this bang on. It's a wonderfully positive song about a relationship that didn't work out but that she wishes them the best. "you said you saw him laughing". I.e a mutual friend saw and he seemed happy and Tanya is happy for him. Tanya discussed it once I believe. (the abortion idea is madness -sorry)

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General CommentI feel like this song is being sung by the girl hooked up to life support in Depeche Mode's Blasphemous Rumours. Perhaps singing to Martin Gore's narrator... Just before they pull the plug... "Unholy and dirty words" == "Blasphemous Rumours" ... When the ventilator "breathes" it's breathing for her too -- "breathing for two" ... Get it? At that point in the game, she'd surely be happy that God is in heaven laughing at us (as suggested by Gore), because at least then, that would mean there IS a God, and this isn't the final-final ending for her. In response to his laughing, she keeps saying, "I hope it's true..." One thing I'm sure of: I can't hear a shred of romance or joy in a single syllable of these lyrics. The title itself sets a tone of helplessness and resignation.

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General CommentI think this song is sung from the point of view of an unborn child and is about abortion. I had arguements with people who disagree. unholy and dirty words are gathered to me, maybe bastard, hence the abortion. The breathe for two bit is the part that really sold it for me though. Is a fantastic song

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