Charlemagne

The Blossoms' song 'Charlemagne' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and longing. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and emotional depth, painting a vivid picture of a love that has left a lasting impact on the narrator. The repeated invocation of 'Charlemagne' serves as a symbol of a powerful and influential figure in the narrator's life, possibly representing a lover whose presence and absence are deeply felt.

The song opens with the lines 'Hello, hello / Who put love in my head? / I know, I know it's made of lead,' suggesting that the love the narrator feels is both heavy and burdensome. The reference to 'science' and a 'kingdom reigned' hints at a sense of inevitability and control, as if the love was destined or fated. The river, a recurring motif in the song, symbolizes the constant flow of time and emotions, with the narrator knowing that they will be able to sense their lover's departure through the changes in the natural world.

The chorus, 'And the river always flows, so if you go, I will know / By the rain, my Charlemagne,' reinforces the idea that the narrator's connection to their lover is so profound that even nature itself will signal their absence. The imagery of 'tears of gold' and being 'left cold' evokes a sense of preciousness and loss, as if the love was something valuable that has now turned into a source of pain. The repeated plea of 'Don't go / If only I could show you' underscores the narrator's desperation and desire to hold onto the love they once had.

Overall, 'Charlemagne' by The Blossoms is a poignant and evocative song that delves into the complexities of love and the enduring impact it can have on one's life. The use of historical and natural imagery adds layers of meaning, making it a deeply resonant piece for listeners who have experienced similar emotions.