I do think this song is about some kind of shady deal, but I don't think it's sung all from one perspective.
I think there are two (maybe three) characters: the criminal making the illegal action, his lover, and maybe the pilot.
The lover (she): "The night doesn't like it" to "I won't let you go through with this", then "In Malta…" to "I won't let you go through with this", finally "but you're not a swallow"
The criminal (he): "With a hired plane" to "And I'm home before the morning", then "Give me a break" to "Let me go"
The pilot (possible): the refrain ("Meet them over at Dover…")
The lover pleads with the criminal to not go through with this illegal deal, because it's far more dangerous then the criminal and his crew think it's going to be. She even threatens to let the law know. The criminal tries to reassure the lover that everything is going to be right and he'll be home before she realizes he's gone. He needs to do this so he feels like he's doing "something with his miserable life".
This is where the story has two diverging paths: Either she did let the law know to stop him from doing it or the pilot was some sort of double agent or working for the law and double crossed them "over the water". The only reason I think she let the law know instead was this: "In Malta catch a swallow," instructing where the law can find them.
I want to thank each and every one of you have posted so far with your opinions. I have been reading Songmeanings.net explanations for years but it was this set of insightful, creative, literate interpretations that prompted me to create an account.
I want to thank each and every one of you have posted so far with your opinions. I have been reading Songmeanings.net explanations for years but it was this set of insightful, creative, literate interpretations that prompted me to create an account.
Yes, the Northern Ireland connection makes perfect sense to me as someone who was there towards the end of the Troubles. I also agree with those who suggested multiple "speakers"/points of view in the song.
Yes, the Northern Ireland connection makes perfect sense to me as someone who was there towards the end of the Troubles. I also agree with those who suggested multiple "speakers"/points of view in the song.
Isn't it awesome that there are lyricists like Kate Bush creating art, and people like you all here to...
Isn't it awesome that there are lyricists like Kate Bush creating art, and people like you all here to take them to heart and engage with them?
I do think this song is about some kind of shady deal, but I don't think it's sung all from one perspective.
I think there are two (maybe three) characters: the criminal making the illegal action, his lover, and maybe the pilot.
The lover (she): "The night doesn't like it" to "I won't let you go through with this", then "In Malta…" to "I won't let you go through with this", finally "but you're not a swallow" The criminal (he): "With a hired plane" to "And I'm home before the morning", then "Give me a break" to "Let me go" The pilot (possible): the refrain ("Meet them over at Dover…")
The lover pleads with the criminal to not go through with this illegal deal, because it's far more dangerous then the criminal and his crew think it's going to be. She even threatens to let the law know. The criminal tries to reassure the lover that everything is going to be right and he'll be home before she realizes he's gone. He needs to do this so he feels like he's doing "something with his miserable life".
This is where the story has two diverging paths: Either she did let the law know to stop him from doing it or the pilot was some sort of double agent or working for the law and double crossed them "over the water". The only reason I think she let the law know instead was this: "In Malta catch a swallow," instructing where the law can find them.
Also: the "Meet them over at Dover" makes it sound like the pilot repeating his orders (from the law?) to himself.
Also: the "Meet them over at Dover" makes it sound like the pilot repeating his orders (from the law?) to himself.
I want to thank each and every one of you have posted so far with your opinions. I have been reading Songmeanings.net explanations for years but it was this set of insightful, creative, literate interpretations that prompted me to create an account.
I want to thank each and every one of you have posted so far with your opinions. I have been reading Songmeanings.net explanations for years but it was this set of insightful, creative, literate interpretations that prompted me to create an account.
Yes, the Northern Ireland connection makes perfect sense to me as someone who was there towards the end of the Troubles. I also agree with those who suggested multiple "speakers"/points of view in the song.
Yes, the Northern Ireland connection makes perfect sense to me as someone who was there towards the end of the Troubles. I also agree with those who suggested multiple "speakers"/points of view in the song.
Isn't it awesome that there are lyricists like Kate Bush creating art, and people like you all here to...
Isn't it awesome that there are lyricists like Kate Bush creating art, and people like you all here to take them to heart and engage with them?
Cheers.