In 2012 they released the album Pardon My English and dropped the slash from their name to mark a departure from ironic formalism.
Willow
Phantom/Ghost Lyrics
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What you do is beautiful
What you do is luxury
Enchanting witchcraft misery
You should see you
Through my eyes
I do believe
And therefore Mrs Rosenberg
Your eyes turn black, it's red alert
You always leave me quite disturbed
Your powers could destroy the world
You should see you
Through my eyes
I do believe
Your spells arise
So you don't have to go to school
What you do is beautiful
What you do is luxury
Enchanting witchcraft misery
to me!
The lyrics of Phantom/Ghost's song "Willow" seem to be written from the perspective of someone deeply in love with a powerful witch or sorceress named Mrs. Rosenberg. The singer admires and is enamored with her mystical abilities despite recognizing the potential danger of her powers. He encourages her not to conform to societal expectations by saying "you don't have to go to school" but instead sees her powers as beautiful and luxurious, even if they bring misery.
The chorus reveals that the singer sees Mrs. Rosenberg in a unique way, perhaps understanding her magic and powers in a way that others cannot. The line "Your spells arise" suggests that he is aware of her use of spells and what they can do. However, the warning in the second verse about her potentially destructive powers seems to suggest that he also recognizes the potential repercussions of using those spells.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't have to go to school
Your skills are innate, you do not need formal education
What you do is beautiful
Your abilities are aesthetically pleasing
What you do is luxury
Your skills are rare and valuable
Enchanting witchcraft misery
Your captivating abilities are also harmful
You should see you
You need to recognize your own abilities
Through my eyes
I perceive your talents in a special way
I do believe
I have faith in your abilities
Your spells arise
Your powers are evident and present
And therefore Mrs Rosenberg
Addressing the person with powerful abilities
Your eyes turn black, it's red alert
Your powers are dangerous and potentially destructive
You always leave me quite disturbed
Your abilities cause unease within me
Your powers could destroy the world
Your abilities have the power to bring about global destruction
So you don't have to go to school
You are already talented without formal education
Enchanting witchcraft misery
Your abilities are mesmerizing yet painful
to me!
Addressing the subject directly
Contributed by Kaitlyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.