Won't You Come Over

Devendra Banhart's 'Won't You Come Over' is a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the human desire for connection. The song begins with the narrator reflecting on their past solitude and the transformative impact of finding a significant other. The line 'I used to live alone, but I found you, so certain I’m yours to take' captures the shift from isolation to a shared existence, highlighting the excitement and anticipation of future experiences, even the mistakes they might make together.

The chorus, 'Won’t you come over and love me? Won’t you come over again?' is a heartfelt plea for intimacy and reassurance. The repetition emphasizes the narrator's longing for closeness and the fear of being left alone. The phrase 'Can you overcome the unnerving ossifying body you’re in?' suggests a struggle with self-doubt and the desire to break free from emotional stagnation. This metaphor of ossification, or turning to bone, symbolizes the rigidity and fear that can inhibit one's ability to fully embrace love.

Throughout the song, Banhart uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the complexities of love. References to 'war-torn buildings' and 'bombed out' evoke a sense of destruction and rebuilding, mirroring the tumultuous nature of relationships. The repeated phrase 'Love, not unlike' followed by various comparisons, such as 'I got drunk, pissin’ the night away' and 'I am woman, hear me roar,' illustrates the multifaceted and often contradictory nature of love. The song's closing lines, 'What have I got to do, to make that man want me?' reveal a deep-seated insecurity and the universal quest for validation and acceptance in love.

Banhart's unique blend of folk and experimental sounds, combined with his introspective lyrics, creates a deeply emotional and relatable narrative. 'Won’t You Come Over' invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love, vulnerability, and the desire for connection, making it a timeless and evocative piece.