Swinging London
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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I read your manifestoes and your strange religious tracts.
You took me to your library and kissed me in the stacks.

Planets crash, the world goes nova,
Sun explodes, all goes black.
You went off swinging London and forgot to come back

You couldn't grok my racecar, but you dug the roadside blur.
You weren't into my airplane, but you loved the whirling world.

Planets crash, the world goes nova,
Sun explodes, all goes black.
You went off swinging London and forgot to come back

Planets crash, the world goes nova,




Sun explodes, all goes black.
You went off swinging London and forgot to come back

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields’ song Swinging London is a witty and bittersweet reflection on the ephemeral nature of youth and love. The lyrics present a series of contrasts: the singer and their lover are both interested in different things, from manifestos to racecars and airplanes. Despite these differences, they connect on a deeper level and share moments of passion, like when they kiss in the stacks of a library. However, their love is not strong enough to withstand the passing of time, and the lover eventually leaves for Swinging London, a symbol of the counterculture and the fast-paced lifestyle of the city. The chorus repeats the image of catastrophic events like planets crashing or the sun exploding, emphasizing the feeling of loss and the futility of holding on to something that is already gone.


The song is a commentary on the allure of youth culture and the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the face of cultural differences and changing times. The singer is nostalgic for the moments they shared with their lover, but they also recognize that their interests and priorities don’t align. Swinging London represents both a concrete place and a metaphorical destination: a promise of excitement and adventure that ultimately leads to disappointment and abandonment.


The song showcases The Magnetic Fields’ trademark blend of witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and melancholic undertones. It’s a reminder that even the most passionate and promising relationships can fizzle out, but that doesn’t mean they lose their value or significance. The singer’s fond memories of their time with their lover, even as they acknowledge that it’s over, are a testament to the power of experience and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

I read your manifestoes and your strange religious tracts.
I analyzed your beliefs and unconventional writings.


You took me to your library and kissed me in the stacks.
You showed me your private space and shared an intimate moment.


Planets crash, the world goes nova,
The universe is unpredictable and volatile.


Sun explodes, all goes black.
The end of the world is a destructive and apocalyptic event.


You went off swinging London and forgot to come back
You left for a new lifestyle and never returned.


You couldn't grok my racecar, but you dug the roadside blur.
You didn't understand my hobbies, but enjoyed the experience of being together.


You weren't into my airplane, but you loved the whirling world.
You didn't share my interests, but you appreciated the beauty in life.


Planets crash, the world goes nova,
The universe is unpredictable and volatile.


Sun explodes, all goes black.
The end of the world is a destructive and apocalyptic event.


You went off swinging London and forgot to come back
You left for a new lifestyle and never returned.




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING

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