Lyric discussion by momoko243 

Cover art for Esme lyrics by Joanna Newsom

I think this song is about the birth of the child, and Joanna's grievance at the change she has brought. There are themes of reluctant love, but a love that grows. I think it definitely has undertones of lonliness, and bereavement of the changes Esme has brought, yet her softening and the eventual feelings of unconditional love she feels, as exemplified by the lines "the phantom of love...etc."

I may be completely off the mark, but anyways, that's what I've come to think.

Sounds good to me. Very poetic song. I do better with literal songs due to my inability to comprehend deep, profound meanings, so it's nice to have a song explained so eloquently. Thank you.