Fortunately Gone

The Breeders' song 'Fortunately Gone' is a poetic exploration of longing, love, and the ethereal connection between two souls. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of waiting in a heavenly realm, suggesting a sense of transcendence and spiritual connection. The opening lines, 'I wait for you in heaven / On this perfect string of love,' evoke a serene and almost otherworldly setting, where love is pure and untainted by earthly concerns. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, which continues to blend the mundane with the mystical.

The metaphor of drinking 'your soup of magpies in a / Pottery bowl that looks / As I am now, brown, round and warm' is particularly striking. Magpies are often associated with both good and bad omens, and their inclusion here could symbolize the complexity of emotions and experiences in a relationship. The pottery bowl, described as 'brown, round and warm,' mirrors the speaker's own state of being, suggesting a deep, intrinsic connection between the two lovers. This metaphorical language enriches the song's narrative, adding layers of meaning and emotion.

The recurring imagery of rain and its interaction with the body, 'Chime on a rain wet / An ankle, toes or two / Sweetly as it drops upon your head,' adds a tactile, sensory dimension to the song. Rain often symbolizes renewal and cleansing, and its gentle touch here could represent the soothing, comforting presence of the loved one. The repetition of 'Fortunately gone / I wait for you' underscores a sense of acceptance and patience, as if the speaker finds solace in the act of waiting, knowing that their love transcends physical separation. This blend of the ethereal and the tangible creates a hauntingly beautiful meditation on love and longing.