Moon
Sufjan Stevens Bryce Dessner Nico Muhly & James McAlister Lyrics
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Offering himself on the fire for food
Touched by his virtue, the fortune approved
Outlining ears on the fortress moon
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to enter your world
I give you light
Stretched by the weight as her legs withdrew
Carrying the chariot, the rabbit assumed
Washing her face with the redheaded hubris
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to enter your world
I give you blood
The song Moon by Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly & James McAlister is an intriguingly enigmatic song that seems to be full of obscure symbolism and allegory. The song begins with the lines "Jackrabbit jumped with a generous mood, Offering himself on the fire for food" which seem to suggest a sacrifice being made by the rabbit, perhaps even a self-sacrifice for the sake of the greater good. The following line, "Touched by his virtue, the fortune approved" seems to further indicate that this act of sacrifice was somehow virtuous and fortunate, bringing good fortune to those who witnessed it.
The next few lines of the song are even more cryptic, seeming to refer to some sort of supernatural or otherworldly event. "Outlining ears on the fortress moon, As I'm about to enter your world, I give you light" suggests a fantastical setting in which the moon is a fortress and some sort of entity is about to enter another world, providing light to guide the way. The second verse continues the surreal imagery with "Some say the crane was the call for two, Stretched by the weight as her legs withdrew, Carrying the chariot, the rabbit assumed, Washing her face with the redheaded hubris" which offer little in the way of context or explanation.
Overall, the song seems to be an exploration of mysticism and the power of symbols and allegory to convey deeper truths. The use of surreal imagery and obscure symbolism is evocative and intriguing, leaving the listener with much to ponder and ponder again.
Line by Line Meaning
Jackrabbit jumped with a generous mood
The enthusiastic jackrabbit leaped with kindness and a giving demeanor
Offering himself on the fire for food
He sacrificed himself as a willing meal for sustenance
Touched by his virtue, the fortune approved
His virtuous nature was recognized and embraced by fate
Outlining ears on the fortress moon
He listens attentively with keen perception on the secure and strong lunar landscape
As I'm about to enter your world
As I prepare to step into your realm
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to come closer to you
I give you light
I offer you illumination and enlightenment
Some say the crane was the call for two
Many believe that the crane symbolized the beckoning of a couple
Stretched by the weight as her legs withdrew
The crane's legs strained with the burden of a heavy load
Carrying the chariot, the rabbit assumed
The rabbit took on the responsibility of carrying the chariot
Washing her face with the redheaded hubris
She cleansed herself with the arrogance and confidence of a redhead
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to step into your realm
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to come closer to you
I give you blood
I offer you vitality and life essence
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Bryce David Dessner, James Van McAllister
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