Song To The Siren

John Frusciante's rendition of 'Song To The Siren' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, longing, and the pain of unfulfilled desires. The song, originally written by Tim Buckley, is steeped in maritime metaphors, using the imagery of the sea to convey the emotional turbulence of the narrator. The 'shipless oceans' and 'foolish boat' symbolize a sense of aimlessness and vulnerability, as the narrator drifts through life, searching for connection and meaning.

The siren, a mythical creature known for luring sailors to their doom with her enchanting voice, represents an unattainable love. The narrator is drawn to her 'singing eyes and fingers,' which evoke a sense of deep, almost mystical attraction. However, this love is fraught with uncertainty and pain. The lines 'Did I dream you dreamed about me? / Were you hare when I was fox?' suggest a disconnect, a mismatch in their desires and intentions. The siren's refrain of 'touch me not, come back tomorrow' further emphasizes the elusive nature of this love, leaving the narrator in a state of perpetual longing.

The song's emotional climax is reached in the final verses, where the narrator grapples with existential questions. The imagery of being 'puzzled as the newborn child' and 'troubled as the tide' reflects a deep inner turmoil. The choice between standing 'amid the breakers' or lying 'with death, my bride' underscores the gravity of his despair. Yet, despite this sorrow, there remains a glimmer of hope as the siren calls out, 'swim to me, let me enfold you.' This duality of hope and despair, love and loss, makes 'Song To The Siren' a poignant meditation on the complexities of the human heart.