Evelyn, Evelyn

The song 'Evelyn, Evelyn' by the musical duo Evelyn Evelyn is a haunting narrative that explores themes of identity, co-dependence, and the struggle for individuality. The duo, comprised of Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley, often delves into dark and whimsical storytelling, and this song is no exception. It tells the story of conjoined twins, sharing an intimately close life that is both a blessing and a curse.

The lyrics express the twins' shared experiences and the challenges they face in their unique situation. They are bound together in every aspect of life, from wearing the same clothes to sharing a bed, and even their career aspirations are intertwined. The repeated questions about what to wear, what to eat, and what to be when they grow up highlight the lack of individual choice and the constant need for compromise. The song's chorus, 'Why do we bother to stay? Why are you running away? Don’t you feel like severing?' reflects the internal conflict of wanting to be independent while fearing the loss of the other half.

As the song progresses, the tension between the desire for personal space and the impossibility of separation becomes more palpable. The twins' relationship is both symbiotic and parasitic, and the lyrics 'I’m only trying to do what is best for us' versus 'I never asked for this, I never wanted this' illustrate the push and pull of their bond. The song ends with a series of 'Evelyn, Evelyn' repetitions, emphasizing the inescapable nature of their shared identity and the haunting realization that they can never truly be apart.