Morning Hollow
Sparklehorse Lyrics
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Trembling and getting old
Smelling burnt oil of heaven
About ten years, too big to hold
She don't get up when I come into the room
She don't run through the fields anymore
Built a fire in the kitchen
Made her bed by a stove
Took a walk to the graveyard
But she didn't want to go
She don't worry all them murders of crows
Even though they was always out of reach
She don't get up when I come into the room
She don't run through the fields anymore
The song "Morning Hollow" by Sparklehorse is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The opening lines, "In the silver morning hollow, trembling and getting old," paint a vivid picture of an elderly person, perhaps a loved one or family member, who is facing the twilight of their life. The line "smelling burnt oil of heaven" suggests that they are nearing the end of their journey, and the mention of being "too big to hold" implies that they have lived a rich and full life that cannot be contained or controlled.
The second stanza introduces the theme of loss and resignation. The singer notes that the elderly person "don't get up when I come into the room" and "don't run through the fields anymore," indicating that they are no longer as active or engaged with the world around them. The third stanza adds a layer of melancholy as the singer describes the elderly person "built a fire in the kitchen" and "made her bed by a stove," suggesting that they are preparing for the end. The mention of "the graveyard" reinforces this idea, and the fact that the elderly person "didn't want to go" implies a fear of death or reluctance to leave the world behind.
Overall, "Morning Hollow" is a deeply affecting song that captures the bittersweet nature of aging and loss. It highlights the importance of cherishing our loved ones while they are still with us, and reminds us that life is fragile and fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
In the silver morning hollow
Describing the peaceful, empty setting of the song
Trembling and getting old
Referring to the aging of the setting and its vulnerability
Smelling burnt oil of heaven
Suggesting that there has been destruction and chaos of some sort
About ten years, too big to hold
Possibly referencing the passage of time and the difficulty of holding onto things, or possibly referencing something specific that is too big to hold
She don't get up when I come into the room
Indicating a sense of loneliness and detachment
She don't run through the fields anymore
Further emphasizing the sense of detachment and perhaps loss of childhood innocence
Built a fire in the kitchen
Creating warmth and comfort in the midst of the desolation
Made her bed by a stove
Reinforcing the idea of creating a comfortable, safe space
Took a walk to the graveyard
Possibly referencing mortality or the inevitability of death
But she didn't want to go
Suggesting fear or unwillingness to face death or the unknown
She don't worry all them murders of crows
Contrasting the singer's loneliness and detachment with the birds' persistent presence
Even though they was always out of reach
Suggesting that the birds, like hope or happiness, are perpetually just beyond the artist's grasp
She don't get up when I come into the room
Repeating the sense of detachment and loneliness
She don't run through the fields anymore
Repeating the loss of innocence and lack of vitality
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK LINKOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leancor2177
In the silver morning hollow
Trembling and getting old
Smelling burnt oil of heaven
About ten years, too big to hold
She don't get up when I come into the room
She don't run through the fields anymore
Built a fire in the kitchen
Made her bed by a stove
Took a walk to the graveyard
But she didn't want to go
She don't worry all them murders of crows
Even though they was always out of reach
She don't get up when I come into the room
She don't run through the fields anymore
@frankfzkf8203
My cocker spaniel named Molly is 14 years old She used to run through the desert (we live in Arizona )when she was young. Lately she has been sick and tired 😔 so I can’t listen to this song without thinking about her. Thank you mark and his sparklehorse band for composing such a beautiful yet sad song
@hexenductionhour
I met Mark Linkous after he played in Whelans in Dublin and asked him was this song about his dog dying (my dog also died and I always thought it was about a beloved pet dying). Turns out I was right (not that that's any great achievement, it's pretty obvious from the lyrics). But it's very touching that someone could write such a beautiful song about a pet. Also Mark was a gent. RIP
@theresavail9976
love x
@NightDweller
@@theresavail9976 brilliant. I always remember this comment when I think about the song
@beemelonhead1
Not to mention being able to perform it without breaking down in tears..
@birdrustler
Couldn't listen to this for so long without crying like a baby.
Still can't help it sometimes.
God bless you, Mark.
@theresavail9976
truth .... heart felt.. and so fuckin raw... its why i was attracted to them x
@MichaelMikey320
I lost my cat Charlie today. He was my best friend for 15 years since I was the age of 7. Words cannot describe the sadness I am feeling right now. I know this song is about a dog, but the pain of losing any kind of pet is the same. Thank you for the beautiful and comforting music, Mark.
@jokesNgiggles
sorry for the loss brother.
My cat dedication song to you.
Grandaddy - What happened?
@rebellapavel8922
In tears :'( <3 ... I hope that when Mark went that he found his sweet pup running in the fields & into his arms