The song reflects on a past season in her life when she felt emotionally cold and barren, represented lyrically as a time when her "heart went cold and only hollow rhythms resounded from within". However, everything changes when she meets someone new. This person is described as "brilliant as the moon in full" and becomes a source of warmth in her life. The metaphor of shedding armor and winter clothing represents the narrator's vulnerability and openness as she falls in love.
The second verse goes on to describe the love interest as peaceful and content, floating through life without being burdened by intense emotions. In contrast, the narrator is much more aware of the emotional depth upon which they both coast, but sees herself as a protector who can provide comfort and support.
Pale September
Fiona Apple Lyrics
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The autumn days swung soft around me, like cotton on my skin
But as the embers of the summer lost their breath and disappeared
My heart went cold and only hollow rhythms resounded from within
But then he rose, brilliant as the moon in full
And sank in the burrows of my keep
And all my armor falling down
In a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm
As I'm singing him to sleep
He goes along just as a water lily
Gentle on the surface of his thoughts his body floats
Unweighed down by passion or intensity
Yet unaware of the depth upon which he coasts
And he finds a home in me
For what misfortune sows, he knows my touch will reap
And all my armor falling down
In a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm
As I'm singing him to sleep
All my armor falling down
In a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm
As I'm singing him to sleep
All my armor falling down
In a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm
As I'm singing him to sleep
In "Pale September," Fiona Apple reflects on a difficult time in her life when she wore time like a dress, moving through the days with cotton-like softness around her. As the seasons changed, however, and the embers of summer faded, she lost her warmth and felt cold and empty inside. Yet the song takes a hopeful turn when a man enters her life, depicted as brilliant as the full moon rising and then sinking into the burrows of her being. He gradually softens her armor and replaces the chill of winter with warm melodies as she sings him to sleep. The lyrics suggest that the man, like a water lily, floats gently on the surface of his thoughts, unweighed down by passion or intensity, yet finding a home in her depth of feeling. While he may not realize the depth upon which he coasts, he trusts in her touch to protect him from life's misfortunes.
Overall, "Pale September" poetically encapsulates the emotional struggles of moving through life's darker moments and the comfort and joy that can arise when one finds love and companionship. The imagery evoked throughout the piece is vivid, with Apple's use of the changing seasons, moon, and water lilies creating a rich landscape of feelings and associations.
Line by Line Meaning
Pale September, I wore the time like a dress that year
During that year of September, time felt like a garment on me
The autumn days swung soft around me, like cotton on my skin
The autumn days were gentle and comforting to me
But as the embers of the summer lost their breath and disappeared
Summer faded away as the weather became colder and darker
My heart went cold and only hollow rhythms resounded from within
I felt empty and meaningless on the inside
But then he rose, brilliant as the moon in full
He appeared like a shining moon, full of light and life
And sank in the burrows of my keep
He found his way into my life, deep and meaningful than ever
And all my armor falling down
In a pile at my feet
And my winter giving way to warm
As I'm singing him to sleep
I let down my guards and became vulnerable, and he brought warmth and love to my life
He goes along just as a water lily
Gentle on the surface of his thoughts his body floats
Unweighed down by passion or intensity
Yet unaware of the depth upon which he coasts
He is gentle and carefree, not interested in depths or complexities
And he finds a home in me
For what misfortune sows, he knows my touch will reap
He finds comfort in me, knowing that I will always be there for him, even in difficult times
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind