Sally's Song

In 'Sally's Song,' Catherine O'Hara captures the essence of unrequited love and foreboding through the character of Sally from Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' The lyrics convey Sally's deep sense of unease and her premonition of impending tragedy. She feels a strong connection to Jack Skellington, the protagonist, but is plagued by the fear that her feelings will never be reciprocated. This sense of doom is palpable as she sings about the 'something in the wind' that signals disaster, reflecting her inner turmoil and anxiety about the future.

Sally's internal conflict is further highlighted by her desire to support Jack while simultaneously grappling with her own emotions. She questions whether Jack notices her affection and whether he understands how much he means to her. This uncertainty and self-doubt are central to the song, painting a picture of a character who is deeply in love but resigned to the belief that her love will remain unfulfilled. The line 'I think it's not to be' encapsulates her resignation and sorrow.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and the struggle to fit in. Sally feels disconnected from the 'enthusiastic cloud' of the crowd, unable to share in their joy and excitement. This sense of alienation is compounded by her belief that she and Jack will never be together, as she concludes with the poignant line, 'For I am not the one.' Through these lyrics, O'Hara beautifully conveys the pain of unrequited love and the loneliness that often accompanies it, making 'Sally's Song' a hauntingly emotional piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar feelings.