The Concubine
Beirut / Realpeople Lyrics

The lyrics of The Concubine by Beirut / Realpeople are both intriguing and enigmatic, leaving much room for interpretation. The song starts off with a set of somewhat cryptic lines that seem to hint at some sort of sacrifice or deal involving ties, children, and Rome. The line "One child away for Rome to spare" could suggest a desperate bargain with the powers that be in exchange for sparing someone's life. However, the singer of the song (presumably Beirut / Realpeople) seems content to wait and write songs, perhaps using his music as a way of finding solace or expressing gratitude for his life.

The following lines are equally enigmatic, with the phrase "long beheaded" standing out as an image that is both eerie and haunting. The singer seems to find some sort of comfort in roaming, and indicates a longing for "your econ" (meaning someone's economic situation or place in society). The song then takes a turn towards a more concrete scene, as the singer acknowledges the onset of autumn and the need to till the ground. The overall sense is one of melancholy and longing, with a sense of resignation mixed with hints of optimism and gratitude.