What He Wrote

Laura Marling's 'What He Wrote' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of loss, longing, and the complexities of love. The song's lyrics are rich with metaphor and allusion, creating a narrative that feels both personal and mythological. The opening lines invoke Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage, suggesting a plea for forgiveness from a divine figure for a love that cannot be sustained. The mention of a tongue being cut out symbolizes a loss of voice or agency within the relationship, and the repeated refrain of being 'broken' and 'spoken for' implies a sense of resignation to one's fate and circumstances.

The song's narrative seems to revolve around a woman left behind by a man who has gone to war, as indicated by the lines about him being 'stolen' by the waves and taken to war. The references to light and darkness, the lamb (possibly a symbol of innocence or sacrifice), and the cold wooden grip (perhaps a reference to a ship or a coffin) all contribute to the song's somber and reflective mood. The woman's struggle with her own desires and the societal expectations placed upon her is evident in her internal conflict and the external pressures that keep her from acting on her feelings.

Marling's folk music style, characterized by her acoustic guitar and evocative vocals, perfectly complements the song's introspective lyrics. The song's structure, with its repetitive verses and lack of a traditional chorus, creates a cyclical feeling that mirrors the inescapable nature of the emotions being expressed. 'What He Wrote' is a poignant exploration of the pain of separation and the enduring impact of love, even when it leads to personal sacrifice and heartache.