Few songs possess the haunting beauty and emotional complexity of Sarah McLachlan’s “Possession.” This track from her 1993 album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy has captivated listeners with its evocative lyrics and stirring melody. The song explores themes of longing, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. In this blog post, we will unravel the intricate layers of meaning within “Possession,” examining each verse and chorus to better understand the profound emotions McLachlan conveys. Let’s venture into the poetic world that McLachlan crafts with her powerful words and music.
The Meaning of “Possession” by Sarah McLachlan
“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan is a captivating exploration of desire and obsession, capturing the intense emotions that accompany a yearning for connection. Through haunting lyrics and evocative melodies, the song delves into the complexities of longing and control, blurring the lines between love and possession. McLachlan’s powerful vocal delivery conveys a sense of vulnerability yet assertiveness, as if caught between the allure and peril of surrendering to such powerful emotions. The track’s ethereal soundscape further enhances the theme, drawing listeners into a world where passion teeters on the edge of obsession. Ultimately, “Possession” serves as a poignant reminder of the dual nature of desire, where the quest for intimacy can both fulfill and consume us.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Listen as the wind blows
From across the great divide
Voices trapped in yearning
Memories trapped in time
The night is my companion
And solitude my guide
Would I spend forever here
And not be satisfied
[Chorus]
And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I’ll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear
[Verse 2]
Through this world I stumble
So many times betrayed
Trying to find an honest word
To find the truth enslaved
Oh you speak to me in riddles
And you speak to me in rhymes
My body aches to breathe your breath
Your words keep me alive
[Chorus]
And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I’ll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear
[Verse 3]
Into this night I wander
It’s morning that I dread
Another day of knowing of
The path I fear to tread
Oh into the sea of waking dreams
I follow without pride
It’s nothing stands between us here
And I won’t be denied
[Chorus]
And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I’ll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear
I hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I’ll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes
Verse 1 – Where Longing Meets Solitude
Listen as the wind blows
The opening of “Possession” immediately sets a tone of introspection and longing. The imagery of the wind blowing across a great divide evokes a sense of distance, both physical and emotional. This distance is a barrier the narrator wishes to transcend, capturing the listener’s attention with the universal theme of yearning.
Voices trapped in yearning
McLachlan uses the phrase “voices trapped in yearning” to convey the inner turmoil and desire that reside within. It’s as though these voices are echoes of past emotions, unable to reach fulfillment. This line resonates with anyone who has experienced a deep sense of longing, drawing them into the narrative.
Memories trapped in time
The juxtaposition of voices and memories creates a sense of timelessness, as if the narrator is caught in a cycle of reflection and desire. Memories, like voices, are trapped, suggesting they hold power over the narrator’s present state. This imagery is both beautiful and poignant, reinforcing the song’s emotional depth.
Verse 1 Continued – Companions in the Night
The night is my companion
In the next stanza, McLachlan introduces the night as a companion. This metaphor suggests that darkness and solitude are constants in the narrator’s life. The night, often associated with introspection, becomes a guide, leading the narrator through their emotional landscape.
And solitude my guide
The idea of solitude as a guide highlights the introspective nature of the song. It suggests that in moments of aloneness, the narrator finds clarity and understanding. This line beautifully captures the dual nature of solitude as both isolating and enlightening.
Would I spend forever here
The question posed here is rhetorical, expressing a willingness to remain in this state of yearning indefinitely. It speaks to the depth of the narrator’s emotions, where even the pain of longing holds a certain allure. This sentiment is both romantic and tragic, adding complexity to the song’s themes.
The Chorus – A Promise of Intensity
And I would be the one
The chorus of “Possession” is a powerful declaration of desire and control. The line “And I would be the one” introduces a sense of agency, as the narrator claims the role of the one who can fulfill the other’s needs. This assertion of power is central to the song’s exploration of possession and desire.
To hold you down
The phrase “to hold you down” can be interpreted in multiple ways. Literally, it suggests physical restraint, but it can also symbolize an emotional grip, an overwhelming presence in someone’s life. This duality adds to the song’s intrigue, inviting listeners to ponder the nature of control in relationships.
Kiss you so hard
The imagery of a forceful kiss reinforces the song’s themes of intensity and passion. It symbolizes a desire to merge with the other, to leave an indelible mark. This line captures the raw, primal nature of longing, where physical expression becomes a conduit for deeper emotions.
Chorus Continued – The Cycle of Desire and Comfort
I’ll take your breath away
The promise to “take your breath away” is both romantic and possessive. It suggests a desire to overwhelm the other, to become their sole focus. This line encapsulates the tension between love and control, a recurring theme in “Possession.”
And after I wipe away the tears
The juxtaposition of passion and comfort is evident in this line. After the intensity of desire comes the promise of solace, of wiping away tears. It speaks to the dual role the narrator wishes to play, both as a lover and a caregiver.
Just close your eyes dear
The refrain to “close your eyes” invites the other to surrender, to trust in the narrator’s promise of comfort. It’s a soothing line that contrasts with the intensity of the preceding imagery, highlighting the complexity of human relationships.
Verse 2 – The Search for Truth and Connection
Through this world I stumble
The second verse of “Possession” introduces the theme of betrayal and the search for truth. The narrator admits to stumbling through life, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. This line resonates with anyone who has felt adrift, searching for meaning in a chaotic world.
Trying to find an honest word
The quest for honesty speaks to a deeper desire for authenticity and connection. The narrator’s struggle to find truth is a universal experience, one that adds depth to the song’s exploration of human relationships.
To find the truth enslaved
The imagery of truth being enslaved suggests that it is elusive, often hidden beneath layers of deception. This line reinforces the song’s theme of longing, where the search for truth becomes a central focus.
Verse 2 Continued – Language as a Lifeline
Oh you speak to me in riddles
The metaphor of speaking in riddles captures the complexity of communication in relationships. It suggests that understanding the other requires unraveling hidden meanings, a task that is both challenging and rewarding.
And you speak to me in rhymes
The use of rhymes adds a lyrical quality to the song, highlighting the beauty and intricacy of language. It suggests that words have the power to captivate and enchant, even as they obscure the truth.
My body aches to breathe your breath
The physical imagery in this line conveys a deep sense of longing and desire. The narrator’s yearning for intimacy is palpable, adding to the song’s emotional intensity.
The Chorus Reimagined – A Cycle of Passion and Comfort
And I would be the one
Returning to the chorus, the repetition of “And I would be the one” reinforces the narrator’s commitment to their role in the other’s life. It suggests an unwavering desire to fulfill their promise of intensity and comfort.
To hold you down
The imagery of holding down is revisited, emphasizing the tension between control and affection. This line captures the complexity of relationships, where love can both liberate and possess.
Kiss you so hard
The forceful kiss remains a powerful symbol of desire, representing the physical manifestation of the narrator’s longing. It serves as a reminder of the song’s central themes of intensity and connection.
Verse 3 – Navigating the Uncertain Path
Into this night I wander
The third verse of “Possession” introduces the theme of uncertainty, as the narrator wanders into the night. This imagery evokes a sense of exploration, of venturing into the unknown.
It’s morning that I dread
The dread of morning suggests a fear of reality, of facing the harsh truths that daylight brings. This line speaks to the allure of the night, where dreams and desires can flourish unencumbered by the constraints of reality.
Another day of knowing
The repetition of “another day” highlights the cyclical nature of the narrator’s experience. It suggests a weariness, a sense of being trapped in a pattern of longing and uncertainty.
Verse 3 Continued – Following Dreams Without Pride
Oh into the sea of waking dreams
The metaphor of a “sea of waking dreams” captures the fluid nature of desire and longing. It suggests a space where dreams and reality intertwine, where the boundaries between them blur.
I follow without pride
The admission of following without pride speaks to the narrator’s vulnerability. It suggests a willingness to surrender to their desires, to be led by their emotions.
It’s nothing stands between us here
The declaration that “nothing stands between us” reinforces the theme of unity and connection. It suggests a desire to transcend barriers, to achieve a state of closeness with the other.
The Chorus – Finding Balance in Passion
And I would be the one
The final repetition of the chorus underscores the song’s central message of longing and desire. The narrator’s commitment to their role is unwavering, a testament to the power of love and connection.
To hold you down
The imagery of holding down serves as a reminder of the tension between control and affection. It invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of relationships, where love can both nurture and dominate.
Kiss you so hard
The forceful kiss remains a symbol of desire, representing the intensity of the narrator’s emotions. It captures the raw, primal nature of longing, where physical expression becomes a conduit for deeper emotions.
Conclusion – The Lasting Impact of “Possession”
“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan is a song that resonates deeply with its listeners, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery. Through its exploration of longing, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, the song invites us to reflect on our own experiences of love and connection. McLachlan’s poetic lyrics and haunting melody create a powerful listening experience, one that lingers long after the song has ended.
For those seeking to understand the depths of human emotion, “Possession” offers a profound exploration of the themes that define our relationships. Whether you’re drawn to its evocative imagery or its poignant message, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression. Take the time to listen, reflect, and explore the beauty of Sarah McLachlan’s “Possession.” It’s a journey well worth taking.