In an interview with www.spinner.com, Sudol shared how she came up with the name "(I) had a bunch of books open on a table, "a fine frenzy" jumped off a page of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' [Shakespeare] and it was just right, though every now and then I wonder if it's a bit ... flowery."
Sudol developed the sound of A Fine Frenzy - hypnotic piano arrangements under classic American melody fused into irresistible, atmospheric songs with the power to reach around the world.
The second album, Bomb in a Birdcage, was released on 8 September 2009. A third album, Pines, was released in 2012.
A Fine Frenzy official site - www.afinefrenzy.com
Swan Song
A Fine Frenzy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In parking lots and markets
I can't help it, I love you like a starfish loves the salty water
Like a selfish daughter
Yet I wrote the words to the swan song
The author of the wrong
And I said what I said and I meant it
Foolish, how was I so careless
Pawning off my treasure, the envy of an heiress
Now my dollars are crumbled in my pocket
How can I reclaim it?
What if someone's got it?
When I wrote the words to the swan song
The author of the wrong
And I said what I said and I meant it
But now I regret it
How could the world have turned so ugly
I am dying
Could you touch me again?
Touch me again
When I wrote the words to the swan song
The author of the wrong
And I said what I said and I meant it
But now I regret it
The "Swan Song" by A Fine Frenzy is a song about regret over past actions that have led to the current situation. The first verse of the song talks about the singer's current state, which is miserable having melted on the table. She is stuck in parking lots and markets, unable to move or do anything. The singer confesses her love for someone, comparing it to the way a starfish loves salty water, which suggests that the love is innate and natural. However, she feels guilty for being selfish which is why she refers to herself as a selfish daughter.
The chorus, "When I wrote the words to the swan song, the author of the wrong. And I said what I said and I meant it, but now I regret it" explains the singer's remorse for her past actions. She wrote something that was detrimental to someone else, and she now wants to undo her actions. The second verse is an extension of her regret. She gave away something valuable, and she now wants to reclaim it but feels it's a difficult task.
The bridge states, "How could the world have turned so ugly. I am dying. Could you touch me again? Touch me again." The singer realizes that her actions have led to an ugly place, and she wishes that someone would touch her again, which should be taken as a sign of comfort that she lost along the way.
Overall, the entire song is about remorse and the desire to undo past actions. It highlights the importance of not taking things for granted before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Wretched, look at me, I've lost it, melting on the table
I feel miserable and unwell, literally melting and falling apart
In parking lots and markets
I am feeling this way no matter where I am or what I am doing
I can't help it, I love you like a starfish loves the salty water
My love for you is natural and uncontrollable, like a starfish's affinity to the ocean
Like a selfish daughter
I love you with a possessive, selfish feeling like that of a daughter towards her parent
Yet I wrote the words to the swan song
I wrote a farewell song which in retrospect, was a mistake
The author of the wrong
I am responsible for the negative consequences of my actions
And I said what I said and I meant it
I was honest in my intentions, although now it has caused regret
But now I regret it
I feel remorseful and wish I had acted differently
Foolish, how was I so careless
I acted foolishly and without consideration for the consequences
Pawning off my treasure, the envy of an heiress
I sold something valuable to me, something others would covet
Now my dollars are crumbled in my pocket
I have lost money and it feels like it is worthless and useless now
How can I reclaim it?
I am looking for a way to restore what I have lost
What if someone's got it?
I am worried that someone else has taken or found what I have lost
How could the world have turned so ugly
I am struggling to understand why everything seems so bleak and depressing
I am dying
I feel like my spirit is fading away, like I am dying inside
Could you touch me again?
I am seeking comfort and affection from someone
When I wrote the words to the swan song
I expressed my feelings in a final message, which I now regret
The author of the wrong
I am to blame for the negative outcome of my actions
And I said what I said and I meant it
I was sincere and truthful in what I expressed, although now I regret it
But now I regret it
I feel remorseful and wish I had not expressed it that way
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALISON SUDOL, ALISON LOREN SUDOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenknizek2651
It's been years since her last album, I still wait to hear her next collection of genius.
@nikkili11
She doesn't plan on putting any more music out. :'( She wants to focus on her acting.
@LadySaundra
She’s stated recently to make music. She’s not in A Fine Frenzy anymore, but as Alison Sudol.
@marvs534
@Nikki Li Apple-Williamsen oh my.... that's so sad. i love all her songs :'(
@jeffreybarkin3177
Well...
Perhaps Alison needs to Practice her "acting" heartbreaking?
I'd Volunteer and Step Up in a FLASH, as She's STOLEN my ❤ many MANY Moons Ago!
ABSOLUTELY
😂
@joellebrooke9657
I first heard this song several years ago and it's become one of those few songs that have stayed with me wherever I go. I constantly find myself singing its catchy lyrics and tune especially if I read the word swan in a completely unrelated setting. It's such a painful yet soothing song. After all these years, I love it just the same.
@KrazyLikeHotKoolAid
these words hit me so hard. my soul connects with it instantly
@NummingOnOreos
This song as been stuck in my head for a while now... Such a charming melody that makes me sad, yet happy at the same. Alison Sudol really gives me a fine frenzy inside when I listen to her songs..
@MissydoubleG
I've always loved a fine frenzy. her songs are amazing. I learned almost lover on piano and its my favorite to play.
@sassyian
i love all your songs...love the sound of your voice... hope to hear more songs of yours soon :D