Cherry Wine

Jasmine Thompson's 'Cherry Wine' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both intoxicating and destructive. The opening lines, 'Her eyes and words are so icy / Oh but she burns / Like rum on the fire,' immediately set the tone for a relationship filled with intense emotions. The juxtaposition of 'icy' and 'burns' suggests a partner who is both cold and passionate, creating a sense of unpredictability and tension.

The chorus, 'The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine / Open hand or closed fist would be fine / The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine,' is particularly striking. The imagery of 'open hand or closed fist' implies a relationship that oscillates between tenderness and violence. Despite the pain, the narrator finds something rare and sweet in this love, comparing it to cherry wine. This metaphor suggests that the relationship, though fraught with difficulties, has moments of profound beauty and sweetness that make it hard to let go.

Throughout the song, there are references to guilt, betrayal, and longing. Lines like 'Calls of guilty thrown at me / All while she stains / The sheets of some other' highlight the emotional turmoil and infidelity that plague the relationship. Yet, the narrator remains drawn to this love, describing it as 'divine' and something they 'want' despite its flaws. The song captures the essence of a love that is both a blessing and a curse, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and reflection on the complexities of human relationships.