Says Elliot

Sibylle Baier's song 'Says Elliot' is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on aging, memory, and the passage of time. The repeated line, 'I grow old I shall wear the bottom of my trousers rolled,' is a direct reference to T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.' This line encapsulates the inevitability of aging and the small, almost trivial ways in which it manifests. Baier's use of Eliot's words creates a bridge between her own reflections and the broader literary tradition, adding depth to her contemplations.

The song's lyrics are filled with a sense of nostalgia and a longing to return to simpler times. The mention of 'burns ancient love letters' suggests a desire to reconnect with the past, to relive moments of love and passion that have long since faded. This act of burning love letters can be seen as a metaphor for letting go of the past, yet it is done with a sense of reverence and sorrow. The imagery of lying by a marble stone and putting a record on the gramophone evokes a sense of timelessness, blending the old with the new in a poignant reflection on life's fleeting nature.

Baier's portrayal of sadness as a 'radical quantity' and a 'long brown ribbon' adds a layer of complexity to the song. Sadness is not merely an emotion to be avoided but is presented as something inherently beautiful and integral to the human experience. This perspective challenges the listener to embrace their own melancholy and see it as a vital part of their journey. The song's gentle, melancholic tone, combined with its rich literary references, makes 'Says Elliot' a deeply moving exploration of the human condition.