Pollen And Salt

“Pollen And Salt” by Daphne Loves Derby is a poignant exploration of the lingering pain and emptiness that follows the end of a significant relationship. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world that has become silent and restless in the absence of a loved one. The evenings are calm, yet the narrator is unable to find peace, symbolizing the internal turmoil that contrasts with the external tranquility. The metaphor of breath becoming as thin as the wind suggests a sense of suffocation and fragility, highlighting the depth of the emotional void left behind.

The imagery of the mighty sky and rain failing to fill the space left by the departed loved one emphasizes the enormity of the loss. The narrator's repeated mention of holding their breath for too many nights signifies a prolonged period of grief and longing. The reference to the loved one painting dreams with vibrant colors like reds, blues, and greens, and painting daffodils by the sea, evokes a sense of beauty and creativity that the narrator feels excluded from. This imagery underscores the painful reality of the loved one moving on and creating a new life without the narrator.

The song also delves into the haunting nature of memories and dreams. The scent of the loved one's perfume in the breeze and the reverie of being held by them illustrate how deeply ingrained their presence is in the narrator's mind. The fear of truth being swept away by the rhythm of the waves symbolizes the constant struggle to hold onto the reality of the past relationship. The longing to trade sweet memories for the chance to be together again speaks to the desperation and yearning for reconciliation. Ultimately, the dream of finally being able to breathe when the loved one is with them encapsulates the profound sense of relief and completeness that the narrator craves.