Emily & Her Penthouse in the Sky

The song "Emily & Her Penthouse in the Sky" by Bastille is a tribute to the life and work of the poet Emily Dickinson, known for her reclusiveness and prolific literary output. The lyrics address Emily's life, which, despite her apparent solitude, was far from being lost. On the contrary, she was immersed in a world of creativity and introspection, creating universes in her mind while isolating herself from the outside world.

The metaphor of the 'penthouse in the sky' represents the elevated and isolated mental space where Emily sought refuge to write. The image of a penthouse on the 92nd floor suggests a significant distance from mundane everyday life and the 'petty forms' of society. Emily was not merely hiding in her room; she was busy building literary worlds, 'writing a forest full of trees that made no sound,' a reference to her poetry that was often unrecognized in her lifetime.

The burning of Emily's letters after her death symbolizes the protection of her privacy and the preservation of the mystery surrounding her life and work. The song emphasizes that Emily 'was never lost,' challenging the common perception that her reclusiveness was a sign of loss or disorientation. Instead, she was deeply engaged in her art, finding meaning and purpose in her writing. The lyrics celebrate Emily Dickinson's strength and uniqueness, highlighting how her reclusiveness was a deliberate choice to dedicate herself to her passion for poetry.