As she submarines
The rope loops 'round her feeble feet
Before the dawn
Breaks on her sorry grasp

In a blink and in one motion
Rope constricts
Rips her towards the ocean

She never finds her bearings
Sucking splash into her lungs

Ooh
Ooh
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh
Though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings

And though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings

Oh ooh
Ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of alt-J's song Arrival in Nara describe a woman who is drowning in the ocean, as she is tied to a rope that drags her down. The images painted by the lyrics are graphic and powerful, as they describe her feeble feet being tied up with the rope, and her sorry grasp not being enough to save her from her fate. Despite her struggles and the violent force of the water, the woman continues to sing, and the singer can hear her smile through her voice. The lyrics create a sense of tragedy and finality, as the woman is unable to escape her impending doom.

The lyrics of Arrival in Nara are open to interpretation, but one possible meaning is that they speak to the inevitability of fate and the idea that even when we are facing our darkest moments, we can still find a way to express ourselves and connect with others. The woman's singing in the face of her drowning could represent a refusal to give up, or a willingness to embrace the unknown with openness and courage. Alternatively, the song could be seen as a meditation on the power of sound and music to touch us even in the most dire of circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

As she submarines
As she dives underwater

The rope loops 'round her feeble feet
The rope wraps tightly around her weak feet

Before the dawn
Before the sun rises

Breaks on her sorry grasp
Breaks on her weak hold

In a blink and in one motion
Suddenly and quickly

Rope constricts
The rope tightens

Rips her towards the ocean
Pulling her towards the sea

She never finds her bearings
She never gets her sense of direction

Sucking splash into her lungs
Taking in water instead of air

Ooh

Ooh ooh

Though I cannot see
Even though I cannot visually perceive

I can hear her smile as she sings
I can sense her happiness through her singing

And though I cannot see
Despite my inability to see

I can hear her smile as she sings
I can still detect her joyfulness through her singing

Oh ooh

Ooh

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AUGUSTUS UNGER HAMILTON, JOE NEWMAN, THOMAS GREEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@julialohr4547

9y↑306

[Intro]

[Verse 1]
As she submarines
The rope loops round her feeble feet
Before the dawn
Breaks on her sorry grasp

[Verse 2]
In a blink and in one motion
Rope constricts
Rips her towards the ocean

[Hook]
She never finds her bearings
Sucking splash into her lungs

Though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings

@AllisonGhost

7y↑99

"Arrival in Nara"

As she submarines
The rope loops 'round her feeble feet
Before the dawn
Breaks on her sorry grasp

In a blink and in one motion
Rope constricts
Rips her towards the ocean

She never finds her bearings
Sucking splash into her lungs

Ooh
Ooh
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh

Though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings
And though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings

Oh ooh
Ooh

@WispWalk

7y↑5

This song is disturbingly beautiful. The bass track fluctuates giving you an unsettling feeling, however it is always accompanied with a technically brilliant guitar melody line.
"Though I cannot see I can hear, smile as she sings."
This is about a woman drowning, and in her last seconds, she sings underwater to die doing what she loves.

Fuck this makes me so emo god must be my mid-terms.

All comments from YouTube:

@promyk9255

8y↑411

I'm listening to it on the balcony at 4:43 am when everyone's asleep. Wonderful feeling.

@tommytucker5464

8y↑22

go to bed

@promyk9255

8y↑20

oh, I went to bed shortly after :>

@purplepikau

7y↑17

Everything, the air, feels like yours, and with even the sun gone, you're one of the few ones thinking, in that moment.

@matthewnash4953

9y↑442

I was listening to this song to help me concentrate while doing homework. I completely stopped and just sat there listening until it ended..

@abbychristensen2628

sammmmmme

@miaama

9y↑2

Literally me right now ahha !!! such a soothing and heart warming song with a magical melody

@vanille864

same ♡

@penndavis471

9y↑4

That's how I am whenever I try to listen to music while I do homework

@danielglabazna1479

8y↑6

+matthew nash guess its not the best song to listen to while doing homework then:D

5 More Replies...

@julialohr4547

9y↑306

@happysmileV2

10y↑626

Life is stressful. College things. Money things. Family things. Mental things.
It's easy to forget the big picture, or that there is a bigger picture.
And then, there's this.
This helps.

@hqelias

9y↑10

God's the answer to all your problems my friend, believe me

@2devilbat

9y↑34

Elias Lopez God is your answer, for Grace, it's this particular piece of music. Don't try to take that away from her, no matter what your intention is.

@happysmileV2

9y↑13

Mashiyat Alam Thanks, stranger. It's no biggie tho. Initially I was going to respond to the previous comment with something sassy. But then I heard the fly noises at the end of the song and equated the situation to that: a nice moment interrupted by something harmless yet mildly annoying. Hahaha. Peace and good alt-j vibes to you both (:

@vidvention

9y↑2

Grace S no matter what jesus will save you

@fenna276

💞

13 More Replies...

@yungxdyl

9y↑213

This song soothes the soul

@TRiicKsTeRzZ

9y↑23

RandomGypsy The dark soul..

@Jesus57196

8y↑2

+Dawgie Dawg i'm level 197 heavy warrior :D

@emilypilling5535

10y↑99

this song makes me feel so in love but sad at the same time, pure genius yet again by alt-j.

@yojah9904

10y↑24

"Though I cannot see, I can hear her smile as she sings.."
That line is so hauntingly beautiful... Can't stop listening to this one. Great job guys.

@1917blake

8y↑142

When it's 1am, you know you should be sleeping but you don't give a fuck because you're listening to Alt-J on repeat :)

@lusea4248

8y↑4

me, currently

@juliaharam1258

8y↑1

yessssss

@EnderGirlGameplay

and the feelings amazing

@ztron8053

7y↑5

I am listening to this right now and it's 1:00AM!

@jonatanmartins7587

7y↑1

i'm too, good times to you guys

3 More Replies...

@yasminnnnnnn

2y↑16

Это снова окунуло меня в то лето 2017 года, когда связи с друзьями еще не были разорваны, когда в моем сердце присутствовала какая-то необычная для меня сейчас теплота. Оглядываясь сейчас, понимаешь, сколько всего ты уже прошел, а время так быстротечно... интересы, окружающие тебя люди меняются, но та я из прошлого до сих пор со мной и от этого легче
(Кстати, я до сих пор шугаюсь пчел в конце песни :D)

@lukodashi

9y↑44

"Though I cannot see I can hear..." Absolutely beautiful.

@randomboomerang2787

8y↑269

I got this album at a rather depressing and odd time in my life, so whenever I hear any of it's songs I get misty eyed remembering all that had happened. But I still love this music so, meh fuck it... I'll suffer through it.

@jennifergrove2368

8y↑5

Me too

@randomboomerang2787

8y↑11

+Jennifer Grove *sympathy high five

@Arotatinglie

8y↑5

+random boomerang HA, me three. Cheers to you guys. Hope its all dandelions and sunshine now.

@nikkoXmercado

8y↑1

+random boomerang We are in the same situation! But mine's with a different album though. (Pretty. Odd. by Panic! At The Disco)

@randomboomerang2787

Thanks lad! It means a lot to see a stranger try and help you out. Thanks again mate.

10 More Replies...

@xyzzy5966

3y↑11

I don't know what kind of person I would have been if I hadn't discovered this album right when I needed it. Thank you alt-J.

@vexx-ai

9y↑70

The universe dance to this song.

@jamesnave9414

7y↑6

may i have this dance?

@Mairas.Labyrinth

7y↑335

I listened to this song the first time I tripped on shrooms. My boyfriend and his friends were playing loud trap music and I was terrified, so my boyfriend led me upstairs to a dark room. We layed down, and he turned on Alt j. I'll never forget how beautiful he was in those moments... I tear up just remembering.. my head on his chest, listening to his heart beating to the pulses in the music... Thank you, Alt J.

@mercy-pr1pq

4y↑41

Seeing this after 2 years, idk if you’re still together with him but it is the most beautiful memory you can have with a lover

@joewilliams6699

3y↑3

Damn ...

@Mairas.Labyrinth

3y↑2

@PietreADI Maybe, but it wasn’t at the time. 💗

@Mairas.Labyrinth

3y↑47

@@mercy-pr1pq Three years later, we’re not together anymore. We broke up three years ago around August after 2 1/2 years together. We both have families now. But it is still a beautiful memory.

@yuyirv6764

3y↑1

@PietreADI That's not true! It is beautiful

17 More Replies...

@femaletodd

8y↑106

this is the second time it's happened. i teared up a second time when i fully listened to this song without any interruption or thinking. it's like they just welled up in my eyes. what kind of magic is that? dark arts? it's dark arts isn't it? how could they catch this unnameable feeling and make it come out of me?
so this is music, huh. you won't hear or feel the likes of it anywhere in mainstream music, which is damn sad but also not something i feel bad for because then this music is only for the privileged few, the ones who actually seek music to evoke emotion within instead of listening to it because it's catchy
(i went on a bit of a rant there, huh. but this was a godly song. damn, alt-j. you the best.)

@DirtBlockHouse

8y↑6

A bit of a wanky statement

@diana-ui9wc

amen

@TheSweety98

8y↑2

+female todd 'the ones who actually seek music to evoke emotion'. This statement explained it all for me. Beautiful. Thank you.

@DenaInWyo

8y↑1

Wow..was listening to this playlist tonight. I'm new to the party, just discovering alt J. This was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes as well. I had to tab over, see what others said. Proof that art is simply the expression of emotion by humans. Right there with you Jessica :) This is exquisite.

@claireninck7117

magie blanche

@chloewint2572

8y↑50

It's 5:00am, I am up writing an essay that's due in 3 days but I've never felt so at peace after listening to this album.

@CrazyBeautifulLife58

9y↑127

Current favourite song
Sounds like it should be on a movie soundtrack

@nathaniel1983

7y↑52

CrazyBeautifulLife58 they put it on "the discovery" on Netflix. first song on closing credits. fits perfectly with the plot. and good film about what happens when you die.

@fruchtfleisch97

7y↑9

Thanks for the recommendation, i love the song by heart and just watched the film... It was incredible.

@element_foxx2907

7y↑7

actually the movie brought me here. I loved both

@sherbearmn

7y↑4

same here, thoughtful movie, thoughtful song✌

@sirzigzagger420

5y↑2

this dude's a prophet and didn't even know

@kai-fe6gm

7y↑24

This song reminds me of my childhood. Simple and sweet, and laced with wonder. It makes my heart float.
Though I have a feeling it's someone's thoughts as they're dying.
Maybe it's a circle.

@rebeca12062

1y↑4

I know that maybe you won’t ever see this, but I think I started to understand our story when I started to look at it from another perspective. The sea, the conversation, the way you looked at me, the way we were and those moments some people will never live. Now I understand.

@ChakibTsouli

9y↑100

Well ... I fell for it at the end of the song, was wearing headphones and I actually waved my hand trying to scare off the flies because I THOUGHT THERE ARE ACTUAL FLIES HOVERING MY HEAD damn you Alt-J y u do dis ? :(

@vexx-ai

9y↑2

It happened to me too!!

@B4nanaPudding

9y↑4

So did i! Accidentally punched my wall :o

@jcaetanoleite

Same over here

@zach8645

5 years later I fell for it too

@theflameoftruth729

8y↑32

somehow this song seems to last forever yet be too short at the same time.

@danielstahl5028

2y↑4

This song has been my iOS wakeup alarm for 7 years... waking up to this everyday is magical. Highly recommend everyone do this.

@AllisonGhost

7y↑99

@AlinaTimmer

6y↑6

My mother and me were once on a roadtrip. One afternoon we were shopping, I saw this CD and said why not. We were listening to it the whole night through.

@gruauchaudassse3337

9y↑11

The voice warms my heart like no other, this band is amazing.

@MORindie

10y↑173

In love with this album. Thank you so much. <3

@Myles2613

10y

***** Been subscribed for over a year already to peacock affect!

@WeeklyUrbanWalks

You're welcome bro.

@XxlolnubxX

7y↑184

Anyone else here because of a Netflix movie called "the discovery"? It's weird because as soon as I heard the vocals I knew it was alt-J, but apparently I had already watched this video but I can't remember when

@royserlopez9682

@Duff8Ka

7y↑3

exact same thing as you

@shivarampersaud2332

6y↑14

Haha good one

EDIT: to clarify, I hope that was a sort of reference or joke about the ending of the discovery

@nominalistflorida5394

6y↑3

Came here because of that movie. Loved the plot a lot but could’ve been better imo

@mathiass1999

6y↑4

No. We are here because we sought peace

16 More Replies...

@laravanleeuwen9972

8y↑6

These guys are so ridiculously talented.. will be legends for me, forever

@emmasurasky-dierauf5788

9y↑95

about a girl drowning, that eventually starts singing to die doing what she loved.

@nikhilsrajan

5y↑6

my mind's blown. thanks from this comment.

@pablogabriel4533

3y↑3

Fitted perfect as soundtrack to "The Discovery" movie, isn't?

@JudithMPerez-mk8gf

7y↑5

This song is linked to someone I love very deeply and every time when I recall it hurts me, but at the same time I can't stop to listen to it.
But it feels good to cry with that melody.

@AnnMarieF

9y↑14

The sound of flies at the end sent weird shivers down my spine o_o

@tessiemcdonnell1796

9y↑3

the best album of all time. alt-j please never stop making albums. they soothe my soul.

@lenazangerl6233

4y↑5

I‘m pretty sure this comment section is one of the greatest ones on the entire platform. The peace, unity and respect and the expression of everyones deepest feelings in here gives a place for souls to be truly free and understood.

@nikagamkrelidze6274

7y↑9

just
the song that is incredibly calming
and at the same time
it makes u feel sad and personally listening to it makes me question so many things
its just
i think its a masterpiece <3 and i like that its not mainstream and only few very special people listen to this song
its that kind of song <3 just perfect

@newnghichngom

2y↑3

This song marks my stay in Hoian like I came here 2 years ago after exhausting myself in Saigon after 10 years working for nothing. But then i came here and struggle to be find the beauty i need and this song makes me feel like i found back the beautiful world inside of me when i were still a pure and loving soul ignorant of all that i know now. Everything suddenly becomes gentle as if nothing bad has ever happened. Humanity becomes a pretty term again. Thank you so much. I been searching all night for the song Deadcrush cuz thats the melody i wanna hear again among Fifa songs how surprising. But yea I found this I am lucky.

@corenlavolpe6143

4y↑2

Alt-j makes such beautiful and dark music, it's perfect.

@ryancroston

8y↑115

The beginning of the song sounds like your looking back at what happened in the apocalypse and how every thing went to hell

@viczav

8y↑6

+Ryan croston I was thinking about my relationship... so, I can relate to this.

@ck6835

5y↑1

Life is Strange??

@LKTheAwesome

4y↑1

@hrproductions796

i feel like i do that with way to many songs especially now in 2020 because it feels like the end in around every corner 24 -7 lol

@LifeonforEarth

7y↑2

This song is PIECE OF ART it deserves so much more recognition!!!!

@nevn3162

2y↑3

I have no idea how to describe the way this song makes me feel. But I’ll try. It makes me feel emotional, but positively happy. It’s so weird. It is such a mix of happy and sad. I love it, every second is Devine.

@resmarted

divine

@killergirl58158

8y↑6

the guitar at 3:46 and 3:54 has such a little part in this whole song but it is brilliant and it adds so much to this song :)

@XoXoBrendaA0424

6y↑1

The beginning of this song is a mayor throwback to when I was a little kid in kinder grade. I love how it has a twist and suddenly life hits me as an adult. This song is so warm.

@ElfayezHanouf

9y↑153

I, by making this post on the Internet, acknowledge henceforth Alt-J as God.

@KiwiHorse77

8y↑6

Amen

@stephaniehouse9597

8y↑1

Amen.

@lusea4248

8y↑1

Amen.

@TheJamesceltic

8y↑2

Amen.

@LePouletRoti

8y↑4

Amen.

12 More Replies...

@time61

7y↑1

this might be my favourite altJ song, it is so calming and beautiful. My mind is at peace when I listen to it. I feel like the sound could be the background theme of my life and play wherever i go, just quietly in the background, but ever soothing and never ending.

@brandonmartin5667

33w↑2

IT’S ONLY A TRULY BEAUTIFUL THING… IT MAY TAKE A BEAST TO KEEP SUCH FRAGILE MASTERY

@anthea9697

7y↑1

Feeling the first notes echo through your mind is like stepping barefoot into a warm spring downpour after the harshest of winters.

@PUFFILICIOUSLilly

6y↑2

I can listen to this forever, it's an amazing source of inspiration

@ReikAress

8y↑16

I've listen this while i'm high and it's cool bro....

@hellcat5300

Doing it right now, gud vibes my dude

@Bxkeh

9y↑1

every one of the notes in the intro smashes my chest, This song is incredible...

@etikai9828

3y↑2

Came here after watching "The Discovery".
Something about this music, it drew me in.

@fbuarque70

6y↑1

Linda canção. Faz voar no pensamento. Faz atravessar para uma outra dimensão. Gratidão.

@lindseypearl9140

9y↑51

It feels beautifully tragic like I'm slightly sad listening yet I love to hear it and I have chills haha. I don't like the bug sounds at the end though. Reminds me of flys eating away at a dead carcass...

@Groooosh

6y↑1

Lindsey Pearl I think that's the point

@cayetanosanchezz8900

8y↑5

the best guitar work ive ever heard in my life.. from minute 1:50 to the end..

@earthseagal1

9y↑2

There's something magical about this, I can't explain it

@brylish

10y↑10

the violin from 1:48 - 2:28 is so so so beautiful

@dvdrp95

7y↑2

From the first moment I doscovered alt-J, it has always been one of my favourites music groups... but having heard this song unexpectedly at the end of "The Discovery" was what made me write this comment... what a mixture of emotions...

@danieldumontt393

9y↑7

"Though I cannot see
I can hear her smile as she sings..." <3

@laural.2122

8y↑12

Favourite part 0:45 , had to learn it with piano too. I also love 3:18 , sounds so perfect! I've found my new favourite band

@Figure_8_Brawl

51w

Are they still your favourite 6 years later?

@GiaDaken

7y↑1

How time flies when you get swept off your feet...this song is the sound of that heartbeat.

@VowelzProductions

10y↑7

Look, as soft as this sounds, I love Rap/Hip-Hop but this music melts my soul

@pedrofaria7451

9y↑1

+VowelzProductionz i hate hip hop

@VowelzProductions

9y↑3

+pedro faria good for you

@inesbessa1020

10y↑7

this make me alive, happy, complete....so thank you.

@hilariomareco5992

+Inês Bessa não sou o utilizador desta conta mas quero casar contigo. Amo-te.

@purerebelle8946

9y↑2

Trop belle musique! Alt-j comme d'habitude 💪😍

@iluvcorin

10y↑4

love this music, it is sooo soothing

@elkasseh4302

2y↑4

I both absolutely fucking LOVE and hate this song in all the ways there is. The melodies are so calm, so soothing, yet they evoke terrible memories for me. I remember sitting in bed, February 4th 2021, in the middle of the night, planning tomorrow's exodus to the vet clinic to take my 15 year old cat there. I knew what was coming and I was crying my eyes out and she came to me in the middle of the night, maybe asking for help, maybe knowing I was hurting and trying to comfort me, either way, that moment I will never forget in my entire life and I will always relate this song to it.

I miss you, Zoubida, July 7th 2006 - February 4th 2021. I hope you enjoyed your stay with us.

@s_____1166

Sending love and light🤍

@Figure_8_Brawl

51w↑2

I’m so sorry that happened. This whole comments section feels like a community itself and it’s so lovely. So many different feelings, memories, emotions form this song. It brings me so much pain, joy, suffering, enlightenment.

I am sure that your cat loved every second they had with you. I’ve experienced the same.

❤

@elkasseh4302

10w↑1

@@Figure_8_Brawl I appreciate your comment so fucking much.
Thank you, kind stranger, I hope life is as kind to you back.

@Figure_8_Brawl

10w

@@elkasseh4302 I also lost a cat around about the same time. I remember being in my examination hall the next day, and I had written down the date he died on a separate piece of paper once I had finished my exam, and placed it beside me. I kept on looking at it and one of the examiners came over and thought I was cheating so asked me what it was. I remember just breaking down and crying, and it was super embarrassing because everyone else thought I had just been caught cheating.

Anyways, I recently did a speech on this song for a competition, talking about the line “though I cannot see, I can hear the smile on her face” and how it could tell us about how humans connect with one another.

Fun times.

@yannickverstraete8784

9y↑2

I'm a fanatic metal fan but this band always seems to make every word in the lyrics sensible in ways I can not describe.

@fenna276

6y↑1

i don't fall in love with songs that often but this one got me GOOD. this is going on my funeral list

@emanuelpirralho

21w

Amo eternamente ❤

@zmajoljupka

The Nara series of songs, especially leaving Nara touches my insides, like when you grow tingly when something intensely reminds you of snugness or home.

@Brindusaxx

I saw you live at Electric Castle, last year. Probably the best concert I've ever been to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Love you, guys

@inawho7044

One of the best albums I've ever heard!!

@Tckskater411

10y↑15

Wish this was on the radio instead of the shit that's being played nowadays. You guys kick ass! Keep putting new stuff out. I've yet to hear a song I dislike by you guys. 🔺

@amberlynnpinales8447

10y

Im with you!

@sophiebonazoli388

Agreed!

@findles

and seven years later all alt j lovers will still agree with you. like I do.

@tobiasjones7242

3y↑2

Anyone else get here after watching "The Discovery"? (Absolutely bloody brilliant cerebral movie)

I loved alt-j anyway but forgot about them for a while, loved the movie and caught this at the end and said "bloody hell, that vocalist is familiar" and searched the lyrics.

@Edgtheow

25w

That fly in the right ear at the end startled me

@dimitarganev6953

10y↑2

Truly amazing

@error-rm9cl

9y↑1

Best album ever ❤️

@yuvalit18

9y↑2

I'M SEEING THEM LIVE TOMORROW I CAN'T WAIT.

@Max-po5sx

6 years ago.... How was it?

@victoriasousacoelho3677

a musica mais perfeita e calmante desse mundo

@andrepinho8648

9y↑4

great album this is deffo my fav song off the album

@elmarrokck

9y↑20

"deffo my fav"
-Andre Filipe

@bennyhauna474

9y↑9

""deffo my fav"
-Andre Filipe"
-Elmarro913

@vergacionnnnnnnnnnnn

Elmarro913 AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

@eyazaoui5856

Your songs always help me from my depression , I'm greatful.

@fernandadelaor8413

8y↑5

Brilliant

@nuriachenevard3177

this album show me how wonderful life can be!!

@jennifers5145

10y↑2

fave song from their new album <3

@mynameistara-png

47w

I love any song alt-j makes, any of them is perfect ❤

@evanwoodward6376

This band always make me feel relaxed and remove my tension

@nehemiefrei1523

8y↑2

I just feel happy and sad when i listen to this music

@WispWalk

7y↑5

@roisinmoloney17

This whole album give shivers

@jordantate8468

8y↑11

lmao I just swatted when I heard the buzzing.

@madeleinep.828

4y↑1

This song is a masterpiece.

@Hoochy0208

9y↑10

Listened to this with earphones. The mosquito noise at the end caused me to be swatting away around my ear. There was nothing there...

@oce1355

This song heals the soul.

@bloodymary6909

i love this. makes me feel at peace with all my problems.

@kristanjmb8015

2y↑1

The discovery led me here. Damn does it hit right to the chest

@Pirippi3

10y

Absolute Masterpiece.

@hybridxp

9y↑1

Lindo!

@solarangel102

9y↑1

so touching

@battlestalker

Such talent and lyrics.......makes me want to just go sit in the middle of a forest and enjoy nature.

@Suelen_citrino

2y↑1

ouvindo e chorando
e eh isso

@mohammed-cb3cx

make me fee calm .. incredible music and incredible lyrics
just wow love it its so deep

@brandonmartin5667

33w↑1

My EMPRESS FROM DAY ONE

@walterpiccolo9137

Bellissima canzone

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now