Alchemy

Above & Beyond's song 'Alchemy' delves into the emotional turmoil and disbelief experienced by someone whose partner has fallen in love with another. The lyrics poignantly express the confusion and betrayal felt by the speaker, who cannot comprehend how their partner's affections have shifted so drastically. The use of the word 'alchemy' metaphorically represents a profound and magical transformation, but in this context, it is one of heartbreak rather than wonder.

The song begins with the speaker noting the strangeness in their partner's words, likening them to a 'foreign land.' This imagery suggests a deep disconnect and a sense of unfamiliarity between the lovers, emphasizing how distant the partner has become. The rhetorical question 'How can it be that you love her?' repeats throughout the song, highlighting the speaker's pain and disbelief. The transformation of feelings, once magical and loving within their relationship, has now shifted towards someone else, leaving the speaker feeling abandoned and betrayed.

The chorus of 'Alchemy' uses the concept of transformation to describe the creation of love where there was none, which can be seen as both beautiful and tragic. Initially, this alchemy brought the couple together, creating something precious and valued ('She is the golden one'). However, as the relationship deteriorates, the magic of alchemy becomes a painful reminder of what was lost. The song's bridge, with its imagery of dismantling and destroying what was once carefully built, powerfully conveys the need to let go of the past and the difficulty of doing so when faced with such a profound betrayal.