The Concubine

Beirut's song 'The Concubine' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of weariness, longing, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is deeply tired, both physically and emotionally, as they wait for a moment of respite. The mention of 'one child' and 'room to spare' suggests a sense of waiting and anticipation, perhaps for a change or a new beginning. The phrase 'It's all an empire long beheaded' evokes a sense of lost grandeur and the end of an era, adding to the melancholic tone of the song.

The imagery of roaming and longing for a 'beacon riverside' where the narrator can rest for the night adds a layer of yearning and search for peace. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for seeking solace and comfort in a world that feels overwhelming and relentless. The repetition of 'autumn falls down' throughout the song reinforces the theme of change and decay, as autumn is often associated with the end of a cycle and the onset of winter. The sound of autumn falling and the narrator's roaming suggest a sense of aimlessness and the inevitability of change.

The recurring lines 'All I can do to end it, I can never end it' highlight a feeling of helplessness and the struggle to find closure or resolution. This could reflect the human condition of grappling with life's uncertainties and the passage of time. The song's melancholic tone and poetic lyrics create a vivid emotional landscape that resonates with listeners, evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and the bittersweet nature of change.