Odessa
Rome Lyrics


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it is but a dated flower i bring to you
it is but a violet glistening with dew
for in our hearts our love for you lies unrevealed
a stale romance and the solitude we share
have dragged you to the beach to find me there
every promise undone glittering in the sun
in the golden sway of violence
that morning you came and you stood in disbelief
in longing and shame - the presentiment of grief
to forgive and to define this treachery of mine
you took off your clothes in silence

this sweet blue secrecy, the demands of destiny
now who will serve your pleasure, who will serve your greed?
now that the men you treasured belong to the fleet
and watch the morrows tide, that frail and beautiful bride
what a very strange season this is
from the tender ax of springtime, defying the snows
to the streaming summers hatchet she rose
now all covered with lime under an indifferent sky

we smother everything in kisses
will we know eternity? will we forge a way to see?
who will serve your pleasure, who will serve your greed?
now that the men you treasured belong to the fleet
and watch the morrows tide, that frail and beautiful bride
what a very strange season this is
from the tender ax of springtime, defying the snows
to the streaming summers hatchet she rose
now all covered with lime under an indifferent sky




we smother everything in kisses
oh, we smother everything in kisses

Overall Meaning

In "Odessa," Rome sings about a love triangle that is shrouded in secrecy, betrayal, and forbidden desires. The song begins with the singer presenting a small token of affection to their lover, a metaphorical "dated flower" that represents their stagnant relationship. The couple's love remains hidden, and they are struggling to keep it a secret, all while being consumed by their own loneliness and unfulfilled desires. However, their tryst is soon interrupted when another person enters the picture. The arrival of this third person prompts feelings of jealousy, shame, and longing within the couple. To make amends, the singer's lover slowly undresses in front of them, a silent act of forgiveness and surrender.


Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes the question of who will serve the lover's pleasure and greed now that the other men have left. The repetition of this question highlights the lover's insatiable desires and their willingness to manipulate those around them to fulfill their wants. The final lines of the song suggest that the couple's love, while passionate, may ultimately become suffocating and destructive, represented by the image of them smothering everything in kisses.


Overall, "Odessa" is a complex song that explores themes of love, betrayal, and desire while also hinting at the destructive nature of consuming love.


Line by Line Meaning

it is but a dated flower i bring to you
I only have this old flower as a gift for you


it is but a violet glistening with dew
This flower is just a simple violet, but it still has beauty


for in our hearts our love for you lies unrevealed
We have love for you, but we haven't expressed it


a stale romance and the solitude we share
Our relationship is dull and lonely


have dragged you to the beach to find me there
You came to the beach to look for me, despite our problems


every promise undone glittering in the sun
All of our promises to each other are broken and unrealized


in the golden sway of violence
Our relationship is turbulent and destructive


that morning you came and you stood in disbelief
When you saw me, you couldn't believe what was happening


in longing and shame - the presentiment of grief
You felt sad and regretful, but also desired me


to forgive and to define this treachery of mine
You had to forgive me for betraying you, but also decide what our relationship means


you took off your clothes in silence
You showed vulnerability and openness, without needing words


this sweet blue secrecy, the demands of destiny
Our love is a mystery and fate drives us forward


now who will serve your pleasure, who will serve your greed?
Now that you've lost the men you wanted, who will you turn to?


now that the men you treasured belong to the fleet
The men you loved are part of the military now


and watch the morrows tide, that frail and beautiful bride
They're waiting for the future, like a fragile bride waiting for her wedding day


what a very strange season this is
Our lives are in a confusing and uncertain time


from the tender ax of springtime, defying the snows
We've survived difficult times to get where we are now, like a young plant growing in the winter


to the streaming summers hatchet she rose
We've reached a point of growth and change, like a summer plant blooming


now all covered with lime under an indifferent sky
Despite our personal growth, the world remains indifferent


we smother everything in kisses
We show affection to each other all the time


will we know eternity? will we forge a way to see?
We wonder if our love will last forever, and if we can find a way to ensure it


oh, we smother everything in kisses
We emphasize the importance of love and affection in our relationship




Contributed by Gavin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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