Umbilical

Mazzy Star's 'Umbilical' is a poetic exploration of birth, growth, and the profound connection between a mother and her child. The song begins with a vivid image of a child in the womb, sharing space with her sister and drawing nourishment from their mother's umbilical cord. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the intimate and almost mystical bond formed before birth. The umbilical cord symbolizes not just physical sustenance but also the deep, intrinsic connection that shapes the child's early existence.

As the song progresses, the child is depicted as opening her mouth wide and absorbing her surroundings, a metaphor for the overwhelming influx of sensory experiences that come with birth and early life. The colors red and orange, along with the sounds, evoke a vibrant, almost overwhelming world that the child must navigate. The repetition of the phrase 'now she was in her corner' suggests a retreat into a safe, familiar space where she can process these experiences. This retreat is accompanied by a sense of 'complete happiness,' indicating a moment of peace and contentment amidst the chaos of new life.

The song's latter part shifts to the child's experience of walking in the sunlight, symbolizing growth and the transition from the safety of the womb to the broader world. The 'extra feeling inside her soul' that makes her cry could represent the complex emotions that come with this transition—joy, fear, wonder, and perhaps a sense of loss. The sunlight serves as a metaphor for enlightenment and the new experiences that shape her identity. Throughout the song, Mazzy Star uses rich, sensory language to convey the profound and often overwhelming journey from the womb to the world, capturing the essence of human growth and the enduring connection to one's origins.