Isobel
Chiarastella Lyrics
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In a forest pitch-dark
Glowed the tiniest spark
It burst into a flame
Like me, like me
My name Isobel
My love Isobel
Living by herself
In a heart full of dust
Lives a creature called lust
It surprises and scares
Like me,like me
My name Isobel
Married to myself
My love Isobel
Living by herself
Crawling in silence
A simple excuse
Nana na nana, nana na nana
Nana na nana, nana na nana
In a tower of steel
Nature forges a deal
To raise wonderful hell
Like me, like me
My name Isobel
Married to myself
My love Isobel
Living by herself
Crawling in silence
A simple excuse
Nana na nana, nana na nana X6
The lyrics to Bjork's "Isobel" describe the singer's journey to find herself and come to terms with the challenges of living alone. The song alludes to an inner battle with lust and desire, depicted as a creature that both surprises and scares her, much like the untamed forests that surround her. We see her look inward, choosing to marry herself, and accepting that she may be different from society's perceived norms. She crawls in silence, seeking safety and solace in her own company, while still yearning for connection with others, as evident in the simple refrain "Nana na nana."
The song's heartening message of embracing individuality and finding empowerment through self-love resonates with listeners even today. Musically, Bjork's use of unconventional instrumentation such as a harmonica, accordion, and ethnic percussion instruments gives the song a unique and otherworldly feel. Her vocal performance is haunting, with her voice soaring to high notes in the chorus and conveying the singer's inner struggles with raw emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
In a forest pitch-dark
In a dark and eerie forest
Glowed the tiniest spark
A tiny spark finally shone through
It burst into a flame
And soon became a blazing fire
Like me, like me
Similar to myself
My name Isobel
My name is Isobel
Married to myself
I am married to myself and do not need anyone else
My love Isobel
My love for myself is all that I need
Living by herself
I live alone and am content with that
In a heart full of dust
Inside a heart that is full of pain and neglect
Lives a creature called lust
There resides an intense desire for something more
It surprises and scares
This feeling surprises and frightens
Crawling in silence
Moving slowly and quietly
A simple excuse
A basic reason or justification
Nana na nana, nana na nana
N/A
In a tower of steel
Within a strong and impenetrable structure
Nature forges a deal
The forces of nature come together in agreement
To raise wonderful hell
Creating a beautiful chaos and destruction
Contributed by Kennedy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.