Marrow
Navigating Existence: Jealous of the Birds' 'Marrow' Unveiled
Lyrics
Some people say that it’s all just conjecture, like trying to synthesise undergrad lectures with the wrought-iron balconies
Expressing skepticism about certain ideas, comparing them to attempting to blend academic lectures with the aesthetics of wrought-iron balconies in Greenwich during Spring.
in Greenwich this Spring.
Continuation of the imagery from line 1, setting the scene in Greenwich during Spring.
There’s a schism, a chasm of language
Highlighting a significant division or gap in communication and understanding.
between the taste and the thought of this sandwich -- between the thing and the myth I make
Describing a disconnect between the actual experience (taste of a sandwich) and the created narrative or myth around it.
to feign meaningfulness.
Acknowledging the act of pretending depth or significance in the created narratives.
(Mountain is and mountain was. I am all of the above.
Reflecting on existence, asserting identity, and encouraging embracing core beliefs.
Don’t cast aside / dare to cleave to the marrow of belief.)
Emphasizing the importance of holding onto fundamental beliefs despite challenges or doubts.
How absurd just to live in this body, in this town and not south Nagasaki or anywhere else with a name unknown to myself.
Expressing a sense of absurdity in living in a particular body and town, contemplating the idea of being elsewhere.
In Tibet I’d be bowing to Buddha.
Imagining a different scenario in Tibet where the speaker would be showing reverence to Buddha.
At Kachemak Bay I’d see pods of belugas with light pouring into my eyes
Envisioning a contrasting experience at Kachemak Bay with belugas and unique images, emphasizing the diversity of perspectives.
and no image the same.
Highlighting the uniqueness and variability of experiences.
(Chorus)
Introduction of the chorus.
Oh to have a distilled sense of sensing. Does the banshee get tired of lamenting? Daisies can’t become daffodils,
Pondering the desire for a clear and refined sense of perception, questioning the persistence of sorrow or lamentation.
so why should that become this?
Ruminating on the permanence of certain traits or characteristics.
Yet I feel your love carve through the waters round the landscape of somebody’s daughter. You call me peninsula,
Feeling the impact of love transcending barriers, metaphorically described as carving through waters around someone's daughter.
an island no more.
Symbolic transformation from an isolated island to a connected peninsula, possibly representing a shift in identity.
(Chorus)
Reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the theme of commitment despite challenges.
When you go over, I’ll go under.
Expressing a commitment to go under when the other goes over, suggesting a mutual understanding or sacrifice.
When you go over, I’ll go under.
Repeating the commitment to go under when the other goes over, reinforcing the idea of mutual support.
Don’t let our vessels be carried asunder. When you go over, I’ll go under.
Urging to prevent separation or disruption of their connection, reinforcing the commitment expressed in lines 18 and 19.
(Chorus)
Reiteration of the chorus, summarizing the commitment to stand by each other through challenges.
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