Long Song

Devendra Banhart's 'Long Song' is a poetic and abstract piece that invites listeners into a world of vivid imagery and emotional depth. The song's lyrics are a tapestry of metaphors and evocative scenes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is both enchanting and mysterious. Banhart's use of language is rich and layered, with phrases like 'song sung it sparkles and shines' and 'your eyes note of colors and lines' painting a picture that is as much about feeling as it is about meaning.

The recurring theme of different types of songs—'blue song,' 'sea song,' 'sad song,' and 'love song'—suggests a meditation on the various facets of human experience and emotion. Each type of song represents a different aspect of life, from the melancholy ('sad song') to the romantic ('love song'), and even the natural world ('sea song'). The line 'the song sung let it stay' implies a desire to preserve these moments and emotions, capturing them in the timeless medium of music.

Banhart's lyrics also touch on the transient nature of life, with lines like 'the movers moved away' hinting at change and impermanence. Yet, there is a sense of acceptance and continuity, as the song itself remains. The repeated question 'who knows, explain' underscores the enigmatic quality of the song, inviting listeners to find their own interpretations and meanings. In this way, 'Long Song' becomes a personal journey for each listener, a reflection of their own experiences and emotions.