Lorraine

Big Thief's song 'Lorraine' is a poetic exploration of a deeply transformative and almost surreal relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an encounter that is both intense and dreamlike, beginning with the striking image of thunder crashing and the captivating detail of blue eyeliner. This sets the stage for a connection that feels as if it is being written into existence, with the lovers forming 'from fiction.' The use of 'perfect diction' suggests a communication that is both precise and enchanting, drawing the narrator into a world where they willingly surrender control, symbolized by the act of having their hands tied back.

The chorus, repeating 'O Lorraine on a Saturday morning' and 'O Lorraine with your soft, burning hands,' emphasizes the duality of Lorraine's character. The 'soft, burning hands' suggest a touch that is both gentle and intense, hinting at a passion that is consuming yet tender. The setting of a Saturday morning adds a layer of normalcy to the otherwise extraordinary experience, grounding the surreal elements in a familiar time frame.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes even more fantastical. The lovers fall asleep in a warehouse, a place that is typically associated with storage and inactivity, yet here it becomes a space of intimate connection. The act of 'kneading and covering my mouth' introduces a sense of urgency and secrecy. The comparison to 'hummingbirds screaming at ravens' evokes a clash of opposites, with the delicate and vibrant hummingbirds representing the lovers and the dark, ominous ravens symbolizing external challenges or realities. The transition from 'fact into fable' signifies a complete immersion into a world of their own making, where the boundaries of reality blur and the lovers are free to exist in their own narrative.

Overall, 'Lorraine' by Big Thief is a mesmerizing tale of love that transcends the ordinary, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its rich, metaphorical landscape.