Rootless

MARINA's song 'Rootless' delves into the profound sense of disconnection and the search for belonging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels adrift and unanchored, using metaphors like 'a cloud drifting by' and 'a snail without a shell' to convey a sense of vulnerability and isolation. The imagery of being 'a leper with a golden bell' suggests a paradox of being marked and isolated despite having something valuable or unique. This sense of not fitting in anywhere is further emphasized by the repeated refrain of being 'rootless,' highlighting the lack of a stable foundation or a place to call home.

The song also touches on the struggle of trying to find one's place in a society that often feels cold and unwelcoming. Lines like 'work your fingers to the bone, building castles out of snow' suggest the futility of efforts to create something lasting in an impermanent world. The reference to 'lower case society' and 'tied to no community' underscores the feeling of being part of a larger system yet disconnected from it. This is a poignant reflection on modern life, where many people feel isolated despite being surrounded by others.

The chorus, with its plea for 'a root, for a leaf, for a branch, for a tree,' symbolizes the deep human need for connection and belonging. The repeated imagery of 'running with my roots pulled up' and 'caught me cold so they could cut' speaks to the pain of being uprooted and the longing for a place where one can truly belong. MARINA's evocative lyrics and haunting melody capture the essence of this universal human experience, making 'Rootless' a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected.