Fran heard that the highest accolade Alexander the Great condescendingly used to bestow upon his subjects was to allow them to kiss his hand, and she imagined how it must feel to be the person to whom that one kiss meant everything...
Alexander
Fran Smith Lyrics
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But I didn't proffer my love, it was stolen from me
Just a token, a trophy; it's gathering dust
And the space where it once was is filling with doubt and mistrust
Alexander, you're conquering me.
Let's call off the battle - I've no ammunition prepared
And I'm not gonna fight you on this common ground that we've shared
When it's reaching for you like the waves reaching out to the sands
Alexander, you're conquering me.
Alexander, who told you you could wear that crown?
Alexander, my defenses are all coming down...
If you wanted a war then why did you advance
On the one who would travel the earth for one kiss on your hands?
There's a bittersweet note to be found inside every sad tune
Your heart seemed to wax, and then waned like a phase of the moon
And in panic, or guilt, your advances adjourned,
But you left all your salt on my shore like the tide when she turned
Alexander, you're conquering me
And if I surrendered, what would you do?
And could you stay strong if I said I loved you?
Well, maybe I'm cracking up, maybe I'm losing my mind
Still, cracks can be filled in and papered right over in time,
But confessions just shatter beyond disrepair
So I'll just bite my tongue in the hope you'll remember I'm there
Alexander, who told you you could wear that crown?
Alexander, my defenses are all coming down...
If you wanted a war then why did you advance
On the one who would die just to place one sweet kiss on your hands?
If you wanted a war then why did you advance
On the one who would travel the earth for one kiss on your hands?
Alexander, you're conquering me
Alexander, you're conquering me
Alexander, you're conquering me
The song "Alexander" by Fran Smith is a powerfully emotive piece that explores the themes of love, desire, and vulnerability. Throughout the lyrics, the singer addresses Alexander, who represents the embodiment of power and authority, tackling his heartless approach to love and his conquering nature. The singer admits to having fallen in love with Alexander but expresses feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, particularly after having her love taken from her so effortlessly. She goes on to acknowledge that she is defenseless against Alexander and implies a sense of helplessness in the face of his actions. Nevertheless, she still desires some emotional connection with him in the hope that he will remember her presence.
The lyrics of the song are not only poignant but also rich in symbolism. Alexander appears to be a metaphor for a societal construct or form of power that is difficult to resist. The references to the "crown" and "advancing on one who would die just to place one sweet kiss on [his] hands" suggests that the song is about romantic love, but it could also be applied to other forms of power dynamics in life. In essence, the song is about feeling powerless in the face of something that is beyond one's control or influence, yet still longing for a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Alexander, you said "never lender not borrower be"
You once said to me, 'never borrow or lend', but I couldn't help giving you my love. It was taken from me, like it was stolen, and now it's a mere memory while doubt and mistrust take its place. Alexander, you're conquering me.
Let's call off the battle - I've no ammunition prepared
There's no point in fighting anymore. I have no more weapons to use in this battle that we're in, so I surrender on this shared ground. But my heart still yearns for one last encounter with you, like the waves seeking the shore. Alexander, you're conquering me.
Alexander, who told you you could wear that crown?
Why do you believe that you have the authority to lead me, to rule over me, to wear that crown? My guards are down, my defenses are gone, and I'm under your power. Alexander, you're conquering me.
If you wanted a war then why did you advance
On the one who would travel the earth for one kiss on your hands?
If you truly wanted to fight, then why did you come toward me? I would willingly travel around the world just to have the opportunity of placing a kiss on your hands. Alexander, you're conquering me.
And if I surrendered, what would you do?
And could you stay strong if I said I loved you?
If I were to give myself up to you, what would you do with me? And could you resist me if I admitted to loving you? These are the questions that haunt me. Alexander, you're conquering me.
Still, cracks can be filled in and papered right over in time,
But confessions just shatter beyond disrepair
So I'll just bite my tongue in the hope you'll remember I'm there
Even though damaged things can be fixed and covered up over time, confessions break apart beyond repair. So instead, I'll keep silent, hoping that you'll remember me and find me again. Alexander, you're conquering me.
Alexander, you're conquering me
Throughout this whole song, I've been slowly losing myself to you. You are clutching onto me with your power, your authority, your love, your everything, and I am forever conquered by you.
Contributed by Dominic R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.