Possibility of Lightning
Mary Halvorson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

nerves strike the death of a wife
her arms spread apart
yielding the revolving sky
this splendid object is
swallowed by your voice

deceptive euphoria
she remains stretched
by the force of your breath
the vulture star
ignores the receding wave

sound only comes after death
to lull to sleep
a misunderstanding




when pluto’s tears
melt into song

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mary Halvorson's song "Possibility Of Lightning" convey a sense of loss and longing, with rich imagery that invites interpretation. The opening line, "nerves strike the death of a wife," suggests the overwhelming and heartbreaking impact of losing a loved one. The next lines, "her arms spread apart / yielding the revolving sky," paint a picture of surrender and vulnerability in the face of the vastness and unpredictability of the universe.


The mention of a "splendid object" being swallowed by the voice implies the power of communication and how it can overshadow or consume something beautiful or precious. The following lines, "deceptive euphoria / she remains stretched / by the force of your breath," hint at the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll they can take. The image of the vulture star ignoring the receding wave suggests that even in a vast and indifferent universe, there may still be room for individual experiences and emotions to be overlooked or disregarded.


The line "sound only comes after death / to lull to sleep / a misunderstanding" suggests that sometimes it is only in the absence of someone or something that their impact truly becomes apparent. The reference to Pluto's tears melting into song adds another layer of metaphorical depth, evoking a sense of transformation and the potential for beauty to emerge from pain or sorrow.


Line by Line Meaning

nerves strike the death of a wife
The overwhelming emotions that come with the loss of a spouse


her arms spread apart
Her body language expressing vulnerability or surrender


yielding the revolving sky
Submitting to the uncertainties and changes of life


this splendid object is
Referring to a significant and remarkable entity or experience


swallowed by your voice
Consumed or absorbed by the power of communication or expression


deceptive euphoria
Illusory sense of happiness or contentment


she remains stretched
She continues to be pulled or stretched beyond her limits


by the force of your breath
Due to the intensity or influence of someone's words or actions


the vulture star
A celestial entity that represents scavenging or predatory nature


ignores the receding wave
Not paying attention to the fading or diminishing aspects of a situation


sound only comes after death
True understanding or realization often comes after a significant loss


to lull to sleep
To soothe or calm


a misunderstanding
A misinterpretation or miscommunication


when pluto’s tears
Metaphorical tears associated with the planet Pluto, which symbolize deep emotional pain or sorrow


melt into song
Transform or give expression to emotions through music




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mary Halvorson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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