Isobel -
Björk Lyrics

In a forest pitch dark
The song starts by describing a dark forest, setting the scene for Isobel’s story.

Glowed the tiniest spark
Despite the darkness, there is a small spark that glows. This could be seen as a metaphor for Isobel, who shines bright even in tough situations.

It burst into flame
That tiny spark then turns into a flame, growing stronger and more powerful.

Like me
The artist identifies with the spark and the flame, suggesting that Isobel is similar in her inner strength and resilience.

My name Isobel
The titular character is introduced, and her name is repeated throughout the song as a way to emphasize her identity and individuality.

Married to myself
Isobel considers herself independent and self-reliant, having married herself instead of depending on anyone else for happiness.

My love Isobel
This line could be interpreted in two ways - either referring to Isobel’s self-love and care, or a more romantic interpretation of her loving herself in the literal sense.

Living by herself
This echoes the sentiment of self-reliance, as Isobel is perfectly content living on her own and not needing anyone else to complete her life.

In a heart full of dust
This line is a vivid metaphor for the emotional baggage we all carry - Isobel’s heart could be seen as dusty, suggesting ghosts of past relationships or experiences.

Lives a creature called lust
This line refers to Isobel’s sexual desires and fantasies, as a part of her emotional landscape.

It surprises and scares
The unpredictability of lust can be exciting and alarming, giving Isobel a thrill but also potentially leading to negative consequences.

When she does it she means to
This suggests that Isobel approaches her sexual experiences with intention and purpose, rather than simply acting on impulse.

Moth delivers her message
The metaphor of a moth could refer to the fragility of Isobel’s heart, with the message being her desires and emotions.

Unexplained on your collar
This could suggest that Isobel has a lover who has been unfaithful, or simply that her desires are difficult to understand or explain to others.

Crawling in silence
This line could also refer to an affair, with crawling possibly suggesting a sneaking or secretive quality.

A simple excuse
This could refer to a justification for the affair, or for Isobel’s desires and actions.

In a tower of steel
This line introduces another setting or metaphor, suggesting perhaps a cityscape or a life of material wealth and success.

Nature forges a deal
Despite the industrial or artificial nature of the tower, nature is still present, creating a sense of balance or harmony.

To raise wonderful hell
This line could mean different things - either that the deal forged by nature leads to a wild or exciting life, or that Isobel herself creates chaos and passion in her life.

Nana na na na, Nana na na na
This repeated refrain doesn’t necessarily have a specific meaning, but adds to the dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere of the song.