Swansong
Ashbury Heights Lyrics


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Phone rings in the middle of the night
He wants to hear a song by Ashbury Heights
Just one more time before he dies
The DJ knows he's helpless and thus he cries

Here's a swansong coming
A swansong coming for you
And the music plays
Flowing through the dark

A dying man mustn't be denied
His voice is one that you should hark

He can hear the whistle blow
He knows all he needs to know
The train plays another song
He smiles and sings along

Here's a swansong coming
A swansong coming for you

And the music plays
Flowing through the dark





A dying man mustn't be denied
His voice is one that you should hark

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Swansong" by Ashbury Heights are deeply emotive and touching. The song is about a dying man who calls the DJ in the middle of the night and asks to hear a song by Ashbury Heights one last time before he dies. The DJ is moved to tears by the man's plea, understanding that this is his last wish, and therefore plays the song. The music flows through the dark, providing the man with a sense of peace and comfort as he listens to his favorite song one final time.


The swansong in the lyrics refers to the ancient belief that a swan sings a beautiful song just before it dies. The song has a melancholic quality, evoking sadness and feelings of loss. Yet there is also a sense of grace and acceptance that comes with letting go, understanding that everything has its time and place, and that life must eventually come to an end. The dying man is not to be denied his final request, and the lyrics urge us to harken to his voice, to listen closely to his story and the meaning he brings to our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Phone rings in the middle of the night
The phone rings late at night, it's urgent.


He wants to hear a song by Ashbury Heights
The caller on the phone needs to hear a specific song by the band Ashbury Heights.


Just one more time before he dies
This might be the last chance for the caller to listen to his favorite song before he dies.


The DJ knows he's helpless and thus he cries
The DJ is aware that he can't do anything to help the caller, and he's in sorrow for him.


Here's a swansong coming
The last song, the final tribute.


A swansong coming for you
The song is specifically for the dying caller.


And the music plays
The song starts playing.


Flowing through the dark
The music accompanies the caller through the dark and lonely night.


A dying man mustn't be denied
The caller's wish to hear his favorite song must be granted because he's near his end.


His voice is one that you should hark
The caller is important, and his request should be taken seriously.


He can hear the whistle blow
The caller acknowledges that the end is near.


He knows all he needs to know
He's content with what he has and does not ask for more.


The train plays another song
The caller hears another song with a metaphorical reference to the train at the station.


He smiles and sings along
The caller just enjoys the music and sings along.


Here's a swansong coming
The last song, the final tribute.


A swansong coming for you
The song is specifically for the dying caller.


And the music plays
The song continues.


Flowing through the dark
The music accompanies the caller through the dark and lonely night.


A dying man mustn't be denied
The caller's wish to hear his favorite song must be granted because he's near his end.


His voice is one that you should hark
The caller is important, and his request should be taken seriously.




Contributed by Zachary J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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