Nadler studied painting at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she began her performing career after writing songs for many years.
The foundation of her sound is her haunting mezzo-soprano, and a delicate 6-string acoustic guitar, often accompanied by a variety of instruments, including electric guitar, theremin, and piano. Nadler writes strange, yet classic, melancholy songs. Her voice is often bathed in a wash of reverb and space echo and creates a ghostly, atmospheric feeling to the music.
She has American Gothic leanings; her songs often take place in an imagined, idealistic time with a cast of characters of her own creation.
Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marissa-Nadler/300932499775
Bandcamp: http://marissanadler.bandcamp.com/
Dying Breed
Marissa Nadler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blue was a way to green
And, darling, you did gamble
'Cause you were a dying breed
Yes, you were dying breed
Yellow -- the color of your skin
Black was the color of your hair
Where, oh where, oh where did you go
When they took your bones, now?
Red is a color of memory
Blue was a way to green
And, darling, you did gamble
'Cause you were a dying breed
Yes, you were dying breed
Frank, this song is for you, love,
And for your curly hair
Your earthly days have passed you by,
Where, oh where, oh where did you go
When they took your bones, now?
The lyrics of Marissa Nadler's "Dying Breed" paint a picture of nostalgia and loss. The various colors mentioned in the song represent different aspects of the past. Red is the color of memory, perhaps symbolizing the emotional vividness of those who have passed away. Blue is the way to green, representing the path taken in life that ultimately led to the end. The repeated line "you were a dying breed" highlights the transitory nature of life and the unique qualities possessed by the deceased.
The second verse is particularly poignant, as Nadler describes the physical appearance of one who has passed away. Yellow is the color of their skin, an indication that they may have been ill or aging. Black was the color of their hair, potentially suggesting that they were once youthful and vibrant. The final line of the verse - "Where, oh where, oh where did you go / When they took your bones, now?" - emphasizes the finality of death and the uncertainty of what comes after.
The last verse is addressed to a specific person - Frank - and seems to be a heartfelt tribute to someone who has passed away. His "curly hair" is mentioned, perhaps as a symbol of his unique and individual characteristics. The repetition of the last two lines, along with the use of "now," suggests that the singer is still struggling to come to terms with Frank's passing.
Overall, "Dying Breed" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant song that speaks to the relatable experience of loss and remembrance.
Line by Line Meaning
Red is a color of memory
Red is associated with memories, possibly of the singer's past lover
Blue was a way to green
Blue is often used to mix with yellow to create green, implying that something was missing or incomplete
And, darling, you did gamble
The lover took risks in their life and possibly in the relationship with the singer
'Cause you were a dying breed
The lover was unique or uncommon in some way, but also fading away and dying out
Yes, you were dying breed
Reinforcing the idea that the lover was one of a kind and rare
Yellow -- the color of your skin
Describing the lover's physical appearance and distinguishing characteristics
Black was the color of your hair
Further detailing the lover's physical appearance
Your earthly days have passed you by
The lover has passed away or died
Where, oh where, oh where did you go
The singer is lamenting the loss and questioning where the lover went after death
When they took your bones, now?
The singer is questioning what happened to the lover's remains after death
Frank, this song is for you, love,
Addressing the song to the specific person who has passed away, named Frank
And for your curly hair
Describing Frank's physical appearance and distinguishing characteristics
Your earthly days have passed you by,
Reiterating that Frank has died
Where, oh where, oh where did you go
Repeating the previous line to emphasize the singer's grief and questioning
When they took your bones, now?
Repeating the previous line to further emphasize the singer's questioning of what happened after Frank's death
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MARISSA NADLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind