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Yann Tiersen - Elizabeth Fraser Lyrics

Do you recognize me
Asking if the person being addressed remembers who the singer is

Here on this sleeper train
Referring to where the singer and the person being addressed are

And do you feel the pain
Asking if the person being addressed can feel the same emotional pain as the singer

Growing into the night, Mary
Describing how the pain and emotions are intensifying over time

And I can feel the taste
Suggesting that the memory is vivid enough to induce physical sensations

Of your birthday cake
Specifically referencing a memory related to the person being addressed

Remember how it was
Asking the person being addressed to recall a previous experience

To hold you into my arms, Mary.
Describing an intimate moment with the person being addressed

It wasnt there
Acknowledging the absence of something

The summer lights around
Possibly referring to a lack of brightness or joy in the environment

I wasnt there
Admitting to not being present or involved in a situation

His hand upon my knees
Describing an unwanted or uncomfortable touch

And were gone
Suggesting that something significant has passed or ended

Across the sunny streets
Possibly implying that events occurred in a place or time that felt carefree or happy

And were gone
Repeating the idea of something significant coming to an end

The day you died, Mary
Stating a tragic event that changed everything

And we go faster now
Describing movement that is not necessarily literal, but more figurative or emotional

Together throught the fields
Suggesting a sense of unity or togetherness in moving forward

Here on this sleeper train
Referencing where the singer and the person being addressed currently are, but also possibly hinting at the idea of moving forward through life as if on a train journey

And I can touch your face, Mary.
Possibly invoking the idea of being able to connect with the person being addressed in a spiritual way

The precious things weve done
Acknowledging the value of shared experiences

Hidden under my skin
Possibly referring to how memories are part of the artist's identity

I let you sleep a while
A metaphorical description of letting the person being addressed rest

I leet you sleep
Repeating the idea that the artist is allowing the person being addressed to have some peace

A while, Mary.
Reiterating who the song is addressing

It was there
Stating that something was present or accounted for

The summer lights around
Possibly referencing a time or place where things felt light-hearted and joyful

I was there
Confirming that the artist was present and involved in the situation being described

His hand upon my knees
Repeating an earlier description of an unwanted touch

And were gone
Repeating the idea of something significant coming to an end

Across the sunny streets.
Describing a place or time where things felt carefree or happy

And were gone
Once again emphasizing the idea of something having ended

The day you died, Mary
Returning to the tragic event that has colored everything else in the song