Nightshade
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


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Nightshade...nightshade
Nightshade...nightshade




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mike Oldfield's "Nightshade" are short and repeated over and over again, but they convey a haunting and almost eerie feeling. Nightshade is a poisonous plant that is often associated with death, danger, and ominous feelings. In this song, the repeated use of the word "nightshade" suggests a sense of foreboding or darkness. The repetition of the word also has a hypnotic quality, as if inviting the listener to get lost in the feeling of unease that the song creates.


The instrumentation in "Nightshade" is also sparse and atmospheric, with plucked notes on a guitar and the sound of synth strings creating an almost hypnotic soundscape. The overall effect is one of tension and unease, as if the music is building towards some kind of climax that never quite arrives. It's a moody and introspective song that seems to suggest that danger is lurking just around the corner.


Overall, "Nightshade" is a song that is open to interpretation but seems to be about the darker side of life. It's a reminder that danger and darkness are always present, even in the most mundane of situations.


Line by Line Meaning

Nightshade...nightshade
The repetition of Nightshade emphasizes the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the song.


Underneath the pale sky
The setting of the song is in a serene environment with a seemingly peaceful atmosphere.


Everything is turning black
Gradually, the peace and tranquility in the environment are being replaced by darkness.


Turning black
There is a sense of inevitability to this change, as the darkness overtakes everything.


Whispers in the air
As the darkness spreads, there is an eerie sense of something ominous lurking in the environment.


Telling tales
The whispers seem to be communicating something, although the message is unclear.


No one seems to care
Despite the ominous whispers and the growing darkness, nobody seems to be aware of the impending danger.


No one seems to know
The source of the whispers and the reason for the darkness remain unknown.


But shadows move behind the moon
The shadows suggest the presence of some unseen danger, lurking just beyond the surface.


And silently the nightshade blooms
The nightshade, a poisonous plant that blooms at night, symbolizes the danger lurking in the darkness.


Spread the leaves
The nightshade extends its reach, spreading its poisonous influence throughout the environment.


And watch them grow
The nightshade seems to take pleasure in its own destructive power.


Entangled below
The nightshade traps and ensnares anyone who comes too close.


Nobody knows
Despite the danger posed by the nightshade, nobody seems to be aware of its presence.


How deep the poison goes
The true extent of the danger posed by the nightshade remains unknown.


Nightshade...nightshade
The repetition of Nightshade at the end of the song emphasizes the continuing presence of danger, even as the song concludes.




Contributed by Vivian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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