Fall

Lisa Hannigan's song 'Fall' is a poetic exploration of rebellion, disillusionment, and the passage of time. The opening lines, 'Hide your horses, hold your tongue / Hang the rich and spare the young,' set a tone of defiance and urgency. The imagery of draining spirits from jars and stealing cars evokes a sense of desperation and lawlessness, suggesting a society on the brink of collapse. The repeated phrase 'burn for us right through the fall' implies a continuous struggle and a sense of inevitable decline as the seasons change.

The second verse shifts focus to the women who 'call your name' and 'brush your hair like it could be tamed.' This imagery of untamed hair and hitching dresses past the knees suggests a longing for freedom and a break from societal constraints. The women swinging bridges 'one and more' symbolizes the crossing of boundaries and the pursuit of liberation. Yet, despite these efforts, the refrain 'all our running ahead' implies that their attempts to escape or change their circumstances are ultimately futile.

The final verse introduces the idea of a mutiny, with the lines 'we'll seize the captain's wheel / A mutiny we've gone to feel.' This suggests a collective uprising and a desire to take control of their destiny. However, the question 'when will our aim's gone from view?' reflects uncertainty and doubt about the future. The mention of the devil and the wonder of who will have them adds a layer of existential angst, questioning the ultimate purpose and direction of their rebellion. The song concludes with the repetition of 'all our running,' emphasizing the continuous, almost cyclical nature of their struggle and the sense of burning through the fall, both literally and metaphorically.