Peter Salett is internationally known as a singer/songwriter who makes musi… Read Full Bio ↴Peter Salett is internationally known as a singer/songwriter who makes music that is lyrically powerful, with plaintive melodies and harmonies, and containing elements of country, Velvet Underground style rock, and Stax era soul. Salett's songs were described by Billboard magazine as being "rife with infectious pop melodies and sticky choruses".

Magdalene
Peter Salett Lyrics

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I see you
You see me
But the ways
That we see
Aren't the same
What I want you to be
Is not the way
You see me

It's a shame
And I do complain
Oh, magdalene

You've kept me under your spell
I've been searching for the arrows that fell
But you can't even seem to tell
Oh, magdalene

When you pray
By your bed at night
Do you say
Everything in your mind?
When you lay
In your bed at night
Do you say his name
And smile?

It's a shame
That I will have to take
'cause, magdalene
You've kept me under your spell
I've been feeling like a fool with a bell
But you can't even seem to tell
Oh, magdalene

Magdalene...

It's a strain
That I would like to forsake
But magdalene
You've kept me under your spell
I've been searching for the arrows that fell
Maybe that is just as well
'cause you can't even seem to tell

Magdalane...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Peter Salett's song "Magdalene" tell the story of someone who is under the spell of a woman named Magdalene. The singer sees Magdalene, but they don't see each other in the same way. The singer desires for Magdalene to be something that she is not, and this creates tension in their relationship. The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's frustration with Magdalene and her power over him, saying "You've kept me under your spell, I've been searching for the arrows that fell, but you can't even seem to tell, oh Magdalene."

In the second verse, the singer asks Magdalene about her relationship with God. The lyrics suggest that Magdalene may not be honest about her true feelings and desires, saying, "When you pray by your bed at night, do you say everything on your mind? When you lay in your bed at night, do you say his name and smile?" The repeated refrain of "oh Magdalene" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's fixation with her and their inability to escape from her spell.

Overall, the lyrics of "Magdalene" explore themes of desire, power, and the struggle to truly see and understand another person. The song paints a picture of a relationship that is fraught with tension and miscommunication, and the singer's frustration and confusion is palpable throughout.

Line by Line Meaning

I see you
I am aware of your existence

You see me
You are aware of my existence

But the ways
However, the perspectives

That we see
That we perceive

Aren't the same
Are not identical

What I want you to be
My expectations of you

Is not the way
Do not match the way

You see me
You perceive me

It's a shame
It's regretful

And I do complain
And I express my dissatisfaction

Oh, magdalene
Addressing Magdalene, the person in question