Solstice
Bjork Lyrics

Björk’s song Solstice is a mesmerizing and poetic exploration of our relationship to light and darkness, to nature and the cosmos, as well as to ourselves and our own internal light. The lyrics invite the listener to contemplate the mystery and beauty of the solstice, the turning point of the year when the sun appears to stand still, marking the shortest day and the longest night. The imagery is rich and evocative, blending elements of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for a deep and introspective reflection on the cycles of light and dark that govern our lives. When the eyes pause on the ball that hangs on the third branch from the star, we are reminded of the cosmic dance that we are part of, the eternal movement of the universe. The ball may be a reference to the sun, the moon, or some other celestial body, and the third branch could be a tree or a constellation. Regardless of the specifics, the image suggests a moment of wonder and awe at the vastness and complexity of the cosmos.

As the song progresses, we shift our focus from the external world to the internal world, from the macrocosm to the microcosm. The earth is compared to the human heart, both sloping in their seat and traveling along an elliptical path. This metaphor suggests a sense of harmony and resonance between the earth and our own bodies, as if we were mirroring each other's movements. We are also drawn into the darkness, just like the earth, but this darkness is not something to be feared or avoided. It is part of the natural cycle of life and death, of growth and decay.

The final lines of the song bring us back to the theme of light and our own capacity to shine. We are reminded that we are all light bearers, receiving radiance from others and reflecting it back in our own unique way. We are like flickering sun flames, unpolished pearls in the palm of God's hand. This image suggests a sense of vulnerability and fragility, but also of beauty and uniqueness. We may not be perfect, but we are precious and worthy of love and appreciation.