The Wolf
Swans Lyrics

The lyrics of Swans' song "The Wolf" are haunting and poetic, leaving much room for interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that the song is a commentary on the human desire to be purified or cleansed in some way, to be lifted up and celebrated even as we are wounded and flawed. The lyrics "Feed me through the power line" seem to suggest a yearning for some kind of electric or divine energy to pass through us and transform us, while the line "Wash me in your bloodless light" suggests a desire for a purifying but non-violent experience. The image of being "splayed upon your silver gate" is both vulnerable and triumphant, as if the singer is sacrificing themselves to some higher power but also embracing their own strength and defiance.

Other possible interpretations of the lyrics include themes of sacrifice, power, and transcendence. The lyrics "I am proud in flesh, I am bruised but I am raised" suggest a sense of pride in one's own physicality and perhaps an acceptance of one's own imperfections or scars. At the same time, the idea of being "raised" suggests a sense of transcendence or ascension, as if the singer has overcome their limitations and become something greater than themselves.

Overall, "The Wolf" is a deeply ambiguous and powerful song that invites multiple interpretations. It is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and ideas that are difficult to put into words.