Meaning of "Sweetest Decline" by Beth Orton

The lyrics of "Sweetest Decline" delve into themes of introspection, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The image of weaving secrets in her hair and being as deep as a well suggests a person of hidden depths and complexity, perhaps reflecting the singer herself. The refrain about sinking hearts with the setting sun signifies a sense of melancholy and resignation, yet there is also a hint of beauty in the acceptance of decline. The repeated question about regrets reflects on the nature of missed opportunities and mistakes, framing them as lessons yet to be learned rather than sorrows to be dwelled upon. The imagery of catching snow on the tongue and attempting to pin down a butterfly evokes fleeting moments and the impossibility of capturing them. Overall, the song portrays a bittersweet reflection on life's ephemeral nature and the acceptance of its inevitable changes.