Albatross
The Wild Beasts Lyrics


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Albatross, albatross
How callous the ocean you cross

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad don't upend
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
They drown in me
Yeah they drown in me
Yeah they drown in me

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad don't upend
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
Drown in me
Yeah they drown in me
Yeah they drown in me





Albatross, albatross
Which way to turn when we're lost

Overall Meaning

The Wild Beasts' song Albatross is a poignant track that delves deep into the complexity of emotions that come with being human. It revolves around the theme of blame and the things that we drown within ourselves, ultimately leading to a feeling of being lost. The song's title references the albatross, a bird that is often used as a symbol for a burden or curse that must be carried.


The opening line of the song, "Albatross, albatross / How callous the ocean you cross" sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. It's as though the singer is acknowledging the burden they carry, the things that they feel like they're drowning in, and questioning the ocean and the albatross for being such a large part of that burden. The repetition of the phrase "I blame you, I blame you" further emphasizes the theme of blame and hints at a sense of bitterness for whoever or whatever caused this burden.


The chorus adds to the melancholic tone of the song, with the line "The secrets that I should've shared / They drown in me" appearing twice, highlighting the idea that sometimes things go unsaid, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.


Overall, Albatross is a hauntingly beautiful song that touches on themes of blame, regret, and loss, while also delving into the complex nature of human emotion and the challenges that come with being alive.


Line by Line Meaning

Albatross, albatross
The song is referencing the bird, Albatross, which represents a burden or a curse. The repetition is to emphasize the idea of feeling weighed down by something.


How callous the ocean you cross
The ocean is a metaphor for life's challenges and the difficulties one must face. The line shows how harsh and unforgiving these obstacles can be.


I, I blame you, I blame you
The singer is blaming someone or something for their problems and hardships. The repetition is to emphasize the feeling of resentment and anger.


For all of those things I've been through
The artist is referencing their past experiences and hardships, blaming them on someone or something else.


Don't feel bad don't upend
The artist is telling the person or thing they're blaming not to feel bad or try to apologize, as they've already made up their mind.


It's my neck around which you hang
The singer is saying that their burdens are like a noose around their neck, weighing them down.


Like a chain or a tag
Further emphasizing the idea of being weighed down, the singer is comparing their burdens to a physical chain or tag that cannot be removed.


I flinch and you fall through the cracks
The artist is acknowledging the vulnerability their hardships bring and how they can be overwhelming to the point of making them flinch. While they are dealing with their own pain, the cause of their problems are pushed aside and ignored.


To the sea and all it bears
The sea is used as a metaphor for the unknown, and all the secrets and mysteries that it contains. The artist is saying that their troubles disappear and become lost in the vast unknown.


The secrets that I should've shared
The artist is hinting at the idea that they could have prevented their problems if they only confided in someone and shared their secrets. However, it's already too late to do so.


They drown in me
The singer is saying that those secrets stay with them, trapped inside, and causing them to feel even more burdened and overwhelmed.


Yeah they drown in me
The repetition of this line drives home the idea that the artist is struggling with their demons and pain alone, and feels trapped and suffocated by it.


Which way to turn when we're lost
The song ends with the singer questioning what they should do when they feel lost and have no idea where to go. The line is both a plea for help and a desperate realization that they have no answers.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@wolfobsessive

Rime of the Ancient Mariner is one of my favorite poems I studied in school, and this song is such a beautiful ode.


"It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag"


"Ah! well a-day! what evil looks
Had I from old and young!
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung"
-Samuel Coleridge



@TaRxFaCe

Albatross, albatross
How callous the ocean you cross

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad, not a pang
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
They drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad, not a pang
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
Drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there

Albatross, albatross
Which way to turn when we're lost



All comments from YouTube:

@dominorecordco

We're honoured to present the debut single from Hayden Thorpe, Diviner. Watch the beautiful video, directed by Crowns & Owls, now: http://smarturl.it/DivinerYT

@quintessencia.93

I'll always remember the night I watched this when we used to have mtv. It was late at night and I was studying for a exam and this song took me off reality. Thanks, universe and whomever person that day. I hope others found this amazing band. ❤️

@wolfobsessive

Rime of the Ancient Mariner is one of my favorite poems I studied in school, and this song is such a beautiful ode.


"It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag"


"Ah! well a-day! what evil looks
Had I from old and young!
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung"
-Samuel Coleridge

@linkgcuk

This was my best mate's favourite song when we were growing up. We used to get drunk and sing it over and over at the top of our lungs! We lost him back in 2018, and I still can't help but break down when I hear it.

@lordaugustine

It's just marvelous. This band is genius.

@linagguz

One of my favourite bands right now. Can't stop listening to them!

@TaRxFaCe

Albatross, albatross
How callous the ocean you cross

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad, not a pang
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
They drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there

I, I blame you, I blame you
For all of those things I've been through
Don't feel bad, not a pang
It's my neck around which you hang
Like a chain or a tag
I flinch and you fall through the cracks
To the sea and all it bears
The secrets that I should've shared
Drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there
Yeah drowned then and there

Albatross, albatross
Which way to turn when we're lost

@Littleangel47

Love this band!!! There music is definitely majestic and sublime

@paulblenkiron478

Brilliant. Fantastic music 🎶. Some of the best music ever created.

@omgchrishart

Amazing job on the video, perfect little capsules of beauty much like the song - Loved every second of this.

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