Song To The Siren

Tim Buckley's 'Song To The Siren' is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into themes of love, longing, and the pain of unfulfilled desires. The song opens with the imagery of being 'long afloat on shipless oceans,' suggesting a sense of aimlessness and isolation. The protagonist's efforts to 'smile' despite this desolation are disrupted by the allure of the 'singing eyes and fingers' of a siren, a mythical creature known for luring sailors to their doom. This siren represents an irresistible but dangerous love, drawing the protagonist to her 'isle' with promises of affection and comfort.

The repeated refrain 'Sail to me, sail to me, let me enfold you' is both an invitation and a plea, highlighting the dual nature of the siren's call—both seductive and perilous. The protagonist's confusion and vulnerability are evident in lines like 'Did I dream you dreamed about me?' and 'Were you hare when I was fox?' These questions reflect a deep uncertainty about the mutuality of their feelings and the reality of their connection. The imagery of the 'foolish boat' leaning 'broken lovelorn on your rocks' underscores the destructive potential of this love, as the protagonist's heart 'shies from the sorrow' of unrequited affection.

The song's closing lines, 'Should I stand amid your breakers? Should I lie with death my bride?' encapsulate the protagonist's existential dilemma. Torn between the desire to embrace this dangerous love and the fear of its consequences, he remains in a state of emotional turmoil. The final plea, 'Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you,' echoes the earlier refrain, but with a sense of desperation and resignation. Buckley's ethereal voice and the song's haunting melody amplify the emotional weight of these lyrics, making 'Song To The Siren' a poignant exploration of love's complexities and the human condition.