Neptune

Foals' song "Neptune" is a poetic exploration of escape and longing for a place of solace and peace. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's desire to leave behind the dreary and confining environment of England, symbolized by the 'white wards' and 'crows lining the rivers and roads.' This imagery evokes a sense of bleakness and monotony, which the protagonist seeks to escape by journeying to a more serene and familiar place, represented by the 'olive groves' and the 'magnolia Moon.' The olive groves and the moon symbolize a connection to nature and a sense of belonging, contrasting sharply with the cold, clinical setting of the 'white wards.'

The recurring motif of crows and doves throughout the song adds layers of meaning. Crows, often associated with death and foreboding, represent the protagonist's current mental state and the oppressive environment they wish to leave behind. In contrast, the dove symbolizes peace and freedom, embodying the protagonist's yearning for liberation and tranquility. The plea to be 'taken away' and the imagery of floating like a dove suggest a deep desire for transcendence and escape from the harsh realities of life.

The references to 'black rivers and rainbows' and 'Neptune' further emphasize the theme of escape to a mystical, otherworldly place. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, symbolizes a vast, uncharted territory where the protagonist can find refuge and peace. The song's melancholic tone and the repeated lines about time bringing low all things highlight the inevitability of change and the passage of time, adding a layer of existential reflection to the protagonist's journey. Ultimately, "Neptune" is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on the desire to find a place of peace and the struggle to escape the confines of a bleak reality.