I always thought it was interesting that it was "Winter's Heir," because listening to it, "Winter's Air" seemed to make more sense. In fact, I didn't think otherwise until I saw it written. However, the distinction is important to the meaning of the song, and it brings the album full circle. The whole album has been focused on winter. (I'm arguing that "The Orchard" is, chronologically, the first song in the timeline, occurring in late fall) He has experienced a break up, and possibly his ex had an affair for which he has also blamed himself ("Wicked Blood" , "O Maria!", "The Traitor").
In short, it has been a "long cold year" for him in more ways than one. But the "thaw" of spring is "winter's heir." That is, he couldn't have gotten to where he is now without having experienced rock bottom. He had to go through this trial to reach the point of understanding he has now reached. And now he has his raven-haired beauty back, so everything's peachy.
I also like how he mentions the cathedral bells, whereas in the first song on the album he talks about the church light. Probably some significance to that, but I'm not going to attempt...
I always thought it was interesting that it was "Winter's Heir," because listening to it, "Winter's Air" seemed to make more sense. In fact, I didn't think otherwise until I saw it written. However, the distinction is important to the meaning of the song, and it brings the album full circle. The whole album has been focused on winter. (I'm arguing that "The Orchard" is, chronologically, the first song in the timeline, occurring in late fall) He has experienced a break up, and possibly his ex had an affair for which he has also blamed himself ("Wicked Blood" , "O Maria!", "The Traitor").
In short, it has been a "long cold year" for him in more ways than one. But the "thaw" of spring is "winter's heir." That is, he couldn't have gotten to where he is now without having experienced rock bottom. He had to go through this trial to reach the point of understanding he has now reached. And now he has his raven-haired beauty back, so everything's peachy.
I also like how he mentions the cathedral bells, whereas in the first song on the album he talks about the church light. Probably some significance to that, but I'm not going to attempt...