Adieu False Heart
Jolie Holland Lyrics
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May the joy of the world go with you
I've loved you long with a faithful heart
But I never anymore will I believe you
I've seen the time I'd have married you
And been your constant lover
But now I'll freely give you up
My mind is like the constant sun
From the east to the west it ranges
Yours is like unto the moon
It's every month a-changing
When I lay down to take my rest
No scornful morn to wake me
I'll go straight ways unto my grave
Just as fast as time can take me
The lyrics to Jolie Holland's Adieu False Heart convey the singer's decision to finally say goodbye to a false-hearted lover. The song opens with the singer bidding farewell to her former lover, wishing them well and hoping they find happiness as they part ways. However, the singer makes it clear that despite her love and dedication to this person in the past, she can no longer trust them. She acknowledges that she once believed they would marry and be together forever, but now recognizes that their heart is fickle and cannot be relied upon.
The singer also draws a comparison between her own unwavering mind and her lover's changeable nature. She likens her own thoughts to the constant and dependable sun, always shining and consistent. In contrast, she characterizes her lover's mind as akin to the moon, which waxes and wanes every month. This contrast serves to reinforce the singer's decision to leave, as she desires someone who shares her steadfastness and reliability.
The song ends with the singer stating that she can finally rest easy since she will no longer be plagued by false promises and heartache. She declares that she will go straight to her grave as soon as fate allows her, no longer hindered by the weight of false love.
Line by Line Meaning
Adieu false heart, since we must part
Goodbye insincere person, as we must separate
May the joy of the world go with you
May happiness accompany you on your journey
I've loved you long with a faithful heart
I have loved you for a lengthy period with devotion and loyalty
But I never anymore will I believe you
However, I will no longer trust you
I've seen the time I'd have married you
There was a point when I considered marrying you
And been your constant lover
And remaining by your side as your faithful companion
But now I'll freely give you up
However, now I am willing to let you go
for one whose heart's more truer.
In exchange for someone who possesses a more sincere heart
My mind is like the constant sun
My thoughts are akin to the unwavering sun
From the east to the west, it ranges
Constantly shifting from one idea to another
Yours is like unto the moon
Whereas yours is comparable to the moon
It's every month a-changing
As it changes every month
When I lay down to take my rest
When it's time for me to sleep
No scornful morn to wake me
Without the fear of an unpleasant morning waking me up
I'll go straight ways unto my grave
I will head directly to my final resting place
Just as fast as time can take me
As swiftly as time permits
Contributed by Elizabeth H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.