Opened Once

Jeff Buckley's song "Opened Once" is a poetic exploration of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past relationship where the narrator was once open and deeply connected with another person. The phrase "one with a travelling heart" suggests a sense of freedom and adventure, indicating that the narrator was emotionally available and willing to experience love fully. The mention of loving a "sweet guy" adds a personal touch, making the song feel intimate and heartfelt.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, with metaphors like "fiction rushing in your riverbed" and "arise like applause in my head" conveying the intensity and surreal nature of the emotions involved. The half-light, a recurring motif in the song, symbolizes a state of partial clarity and understanding. It is in this half-light that the narrator and their lover truly see each other for who they are, stripped of pretense and illusion. This setting creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, highlighting the raw and honest connection between the two.

The song also touches on themes of transcendence and empathy. The lines "We fly right over the minds of so many in pain" and "We are the smile of light that brings them rain" suggest that the love shared by the narrator and their partner has a healing and uplifting effect on others. This idea of love as a transformative force is further emphasized by the ocean and moon metaphor, symbolizing a constant and overflowing love. However, the song ends on a melancholic note with the narrator comparing themselves to an abandoned railroad track, forgotten and left behind. This shift in tone reflects the bittersweet nature of love and the inevitable passage of time.