Lake Song

The Decemberists' song "Lake Song" is a poignant exploration of youthful love, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past relationship, set against the serene backdrop of a lake. The imagery of overturning pebbles and upending animals suggests a time of innocence and discovery, where the small moments held significant meaning. The act of sharing a cigarette and the sun burning low on the radio evoke a sense of intimacy and fleeting time, capturing the essence of a summer romance.

The chorus delves into the complexities of commitment and indecision, with the lines "Say that you will / Say you will or will you won't / Or you whatever you prevaricate / Your whole life, don't you?" highlighting the uncertainty and hesitation that often accompany young love. The narrator's willingness to wait "till the oceans / Fell away and all the sunken cities / Would reveal themselves" underscores a deep sense of devotion and longing, even in the face of inevitable disappointment.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on their youthful naivety and the impact of the relationship. The repeated phrase "Seventeen and terminally fey" suggests a sense of fragility and otherworldliness, while the description of the lover as "sibylline" and "reclining in your pew" adds a mystical, almost prophetic quality to their presence. The haunting image of the lover's footprints on the station wagon window serves as a metaphor for the lingering memories and the lasting impression they left behind. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of a love that was both sweet and painful, leaving the narrator forever changed.