Adeline

Alt-J's song "Adeline" is a hauntingly beautiful ode that blends poetic imagery with a melancholic tone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character named Adeline, who seems to be a source of deep affection and longing for the narrator. The setting of Tasmania, with its reference to the devil's jaws, adds a layer of mystique and danger, suggesting that Adeline is in a place that is both remote and perilous. Despite these dangers, the narrator's affection for Adeline remains unwavering, as evidenced by the repeated refrain, "I wish you well."

The song's imagery is rich and evocative, particularly in the lines describing Adeline's morning swim under a "Kodachrome blue sky." This reference to Kodachrome, a type of color film, suggests a nostalgic and almost cinematic quality to the memory. The act of swimming, moving from "patch to warm patch," symbolizes a journey or a passage through different phases of life, with Adeline gracefully navigating through them. The recurring mention of the "old triangle" and the "Royal Canal" adds a layer of cultural depth, possibly referencing the traditional Irish song "The Auld Triangle," which speaks of longing and imprisonment.

The repetition of the phrase "I wish you well" serves as a poignant refrain, emphasizing the narrator's enduring hope and goodwill for Adeline, despite the physical and emotional distance between them. The song's structure, with its cyclical repetition and gentle, flowing melody, mirrors the act of swimming itself, creating a sense of continuity and timelessness. Alt-J's unique blend of indie rock and folk elements, combined with their lyrical prowess, makes "Adeline" a deeply moving and introspective piece that resonates with themes of love, longing, and the passage of time.